WDOT: bridge is safe

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By Matt Loveless

Summary

Transportation officials say Interstate Bridge did not suffer any serious structural damage when it was hit by a boat Wednesday morning.

Story Published: Nov 14, 2009 at 10:59 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 14, 2009 at 10:59 AM PST

CLARKSTON - The Washington State Department of Transportation said Wednesday's fatal boat crash did not threaten the integrity of the Interstate Bridge.

State bridge inspectors have surveyed the damage to make sure of that.

77-year-old Harold Miller was killed when the boat he was driving crashed into a bridge pillar and sunk to the bottom of the Snake River at around 5:30 a.m. The investigation is continuing.

Friday WSDOT Maintenance Supervisor Ronnie Mock said the crash broke a navigational lock that controls some bridge lights, but the structural integrity of the bridge was not compromised.

DOT crews will be on site next week to get measurements and do repairs.

The Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office said the sunken boat is tied down at the bottom of the river and will be pulled out of the water Monday.

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