Nearly two years after getting struck by a truck pulling a backhoe, the Lind Avenue Southwest bridge over southbound I-405 is now open to drivers and pedestrians.

Announced May 30, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said that the re-opening of the overpass bridge restored “a vital connection” within the City of Renton.

Renton Fire Department’s Station 14 fire station is located near the overpass bridge and the department took to social media to celebrate the re-opening, saying that the bridge being open will “greatly improve responses when seconds matter.”

On June 13, 2022, the collision caused by the “too tall” towed backhoe damaged five girders that supported the high-traffic four-lane bridge, compromising the structure. According to WSDOT, the level and location of the damage made replacing the girders difficult, and that the integrity of the structure was undermined.

Construction began in the summer of 2023, when contractor crews replaced the severely-damaged northern span of the bridge. In November, southbound I-405 was closed down for demolition.

Federal and state emergency funds were dedicated to the project, totaling $5.8 million. When construction began, the emergency funding was at $1.6 million and was expected to need more funding.

According to WSDOT, over 16,000 vehicles traveled across the bridge on any given day, with 139,000 vehicles traveling on I-405 each day.