A semi-truck fire has closed a major stretch of westbound I-90 near Cle Elum, with potential bridge damage being assessed.
ELLENSBURG, Wash — A major stretch of westbound Interstate 90 remained closed early Thursday morning after a semi-truck caught fire near Cle Elum, prompting a lengthy closure and concerns about possible bridge damage.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, westbound I-90 is closed from milepost 106 in Ellensburg to milepost 86.6 near Cle Elum. The closure was first reported around 2:26 a.m.
Officials said the roadway was shut down due to a semi-truck fire. There is no estimated time for the highway to reopen.
Traffic is being detoured off I-90 at Exit 106 onto state Route 10. However, transportation officials are now directing drivers to use U.S. 97 as crews continue their response.
In an update posted Thursday morning, Snoqualmie Pass officials said westbound I-90 near Cle Elum will remain closed for several more hours while crews mop up the scene and assess potential damage to a nearby bridge caused by the fire.
No information has been released about injuries or what caused the semi-truck to catch fire.
Drivers traveling westbound across the Cascades should expect significant delays and plan alternate routes until the roadway reopens.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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