Christmas came early for State Route 167 drivers, with all lanes of the highway reopening right in time for drivers making their way to and from holiday celebrations.

“It’s Christmas Eve Eve, and it’s time to sneak an early present from under the tree… What’s that? All northbound lanes of the SR 167 bridge in Pacific have REOPENED!?!? Just what you wanted!” according to a Dec. 23 press release from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

WSDOT stated that all repairs are complete on the SR 167 Third Avenue Southwest Bridge in Pacific after it was damaged by an over-height vehicle on Sept. 23. According to WSDOT, construction was scheduled to continue into 2026, but WSDOT’s contractors and crews worked around the clock to reopen all lanes of travel early.

WSDOT stated that contractors used precision methods to remove the damaged girder and install a new 60-foot, 26-ton support beam. Contractors additionally poured 27 cubic yards of concrete to secure the girder to the bridge and restore the driving surface.

The damage to the SR 167 bridge. Courtesy photos.

The SR 167 bridge in November. Courtesy photos.