New over height detection system installed on SR 410 White River Bridge near Enumclaw

ENUMCLAW – A new over height vehicle detection system is now in place on the State Route 410 White River Bridge, giving drivers of taller vehicles another clear warning before they reach the bridge connecting the communities of Enumclaw and Buckley. 

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation installed the new system recently following the August 2025 bridge strike that caused significant damage to the bridge and led to an extended closure. Crews worked seven days a week to repair the structure and reopen the bridge. Theat closure affected thousands of people who rely on the bridge each day, including commuters, freight and businesses located in these communities.

The new system uses sensors to detect vehicles that may be too tall to safely cross under the bridge. When an over height vehicle is detected, the system will activate warning signs, flashing beacons and audible alarms to alert the driver before they reach the bridge.

"This bridge is a critical connection for communities on both sides of the White River," said Governor Bob Ferguson. "We're giving it another layer of protection for travelers, and for the people who depend on this route every day." 

The new over height detection system does not change the 14-foot bridge clearance and does not replace the responsibility drivers have to know the height of their vehicle and load and obtain any required permits for travel. 

Drivers of tall vehicles should:

• Know the height of their vehicle, equipment and load before traveling and obtain an oversize vehicle permit if applicable.
• Use WSDOT's online vertical clearance trip planner to identify bridge clearances along planned routes.
• Check route restrictions before using SR 410.
• Obey all posted bridge clearance signs.
• Stop if the over height warning system activates.
• Use approved alternate routes when required. 

Bridge strikes are preventable, but their impacts can be significant. A single over height vehicle can damage a bridge, close a highway and disrupt travel for an entire region.

"This is about prevention," said Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. "We need drivers to do their part, and this system gives them one more opportunity to make the safe choice before a bridge strike happens."

In the 2026 Supplemental Transportation Budget, the Legislature also directed WSDOT to analyze recent bridge strikes in Washington. WSDOT is asked to recommend ways to reduce future strikes, including potential improvements to physical infrastructure, posted warning signs and additional driver information. A report is due to the Legislature in September 2026.

Bridge background

The White River Bridge is a steel truss bridge built in 1949. It carries an average of 22,099 vehicles each day. WSDOT bridges are inspected on a two-year cycle. The last inspection of this bridge took place in April 2025, and the bridge was determined to be in fair condition. A bridge is expected to have a service life of 80 years based on current standards. The average age of a state-owned vehicular bridge is 51 years.

Real time travel information is available from WSDOT’s online Travel Center map, the WSDOT mobile app and by signing up for WSDOT’s email updates.

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