Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025:
- Following a bridge strike by an over-height load on I-90 WB in Washington state last week, the state's governor updated details for the full repair will.
- Big cocaine haul found in trailer's "aftermarket compartment."
- Mack recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month with fancy new rig.
I-90 Westbound open after bridge strike, but closures ahead for full repair
Following a bridge strike by an over-height truck along I-90 in Washington state last week, the state’s governor noted what to expect for full bridge replacement plans.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said the damaged portion of the bridge was removed and the interstate reopened just three days after the strike occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Contractor crews hired by the state's Department of Transportation worked nonstop over a 22-hour period under an emergency contract to remove the damaged portion of the overpass and reopen westbound I-90.
The Westbound lanes of I-90 will remain open until WSDOT replaces the overpass, which will require full closures of WB I-90 on a limited basis, with traffic detoured over the off- and on-ramps. Ferguson said it's expected to occur at night, principally with daytime closures only as needed.
WSDOT engineers are currently designing the repair for the section. Engineers will select a solution that allows for rapid construction of the new span, yet fall and winter are challenging times for road construction. When the design is finalized, WSDOT will look at weather and design needs and expects to share more information in December.
“Thank you to the WSDOT crews and contractors who moved quickly to reopen westbound I-90,” Ferguson said. “Our work to repair the damage is just beginning. The loss of this overpass severely impacts the Cle Elum, Roslyn and the Suncadia area. We will work as quickly as possible to replace this vital connection for the community. We’ve seen too many bridge strikes -- and their impacts on local communities -- in the last few months. They are preventable, and we are working on strategies to reduce them.”
Roughly 17,000 vehicles travel this section of I-90 daily, with about 1,500 crossing the overpass. This is the fourth time since August that WSDOT has had to close a bridge or overpass while repairs are made due to an oversize vehicle strike.
The state will also seek reimbursement for damage and repair costs from the truck operator or other responsible parties. The Washington State Patrol stopped the driver, and WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Services Division is investigating the incident.
[Related: I-90 WB closed in Washington]
Truck driver busted in Arizona with cocaine in trailer's 'aftermarket compartment'
A truck driver was arrest after being found traveling through Arizona hauling more than the manifested shipment.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, troopers conducting a commercial vehicle safety inspection on I-17 located approximately 233 pounds of cocaine concealed in an aftermarket compartment inside the trailer.
Investigators determined the contraband -- which AZDPS noted has a street value of approximately $3 million in Phoenix -- was being smuggled from California to New Jersey.
The suspect driver was booked on multiple felony charges, including possession and transportation of a narcotic drug for sale.
[Related: $17M worth of cocaine found under truck's hidden trap door]
Mack unveils breast cancer awareness Pioneer
In a show support of support for Breast Cancer Awareness during the special month of October, Mack Trucks unveiled a specially wrapped Mack Pioneer to go along with the company’s “Pink Lady” Mack Anthem.
Mack Trucks' specially wrapped all-new Mack Pioneer (right) alongside the iconic “Pink Lady” Mack Anthem (left).Mack Trucks
The striking pink vehicles demonstrate Mack’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness for breast cancer research and supporting those affected by the disease, the company said.
The Pink Lady Anthem features a pink painted Mack wordmark across its grille and is prominently displayed at Mack’s World Headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. It's become a beloved symbol among employees. Now joined by the all-new pink-wrapped Pioneer, the duo represent both Mack’s heritage and its future in the fight against breast cancer, Mack noted, celebrating the strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors, patients and their families while highlighting the importance of early detection and continued research.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers, with approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States diagnosed during their lifetime. Early detection through regular screenings significantly improves survival rates.
As part of its ongoing commitment to employee health and wellness, Volvo Group North America, Mack’s parent company, hosts a mobile mammography unit on its campus several times a year, providing convenient access to vital screening services for employees.
[Related: First full look: Up-close with the new Mack Pioneer tractor]
