Update June 26

The Lower Spokane St Bridge has reopened to traffic according to SDOT. The solution they said was "a spare" referring to the failed cylinder seat that had allowed hydraulic fluid to leak, leading to the closure.

All traffic has returned to normal on the span.

Original Post June 20

Thanks to a bridge safety alarm system, the Seattle Department of Transportation reported today that their bridge operators discovered a hydraulic fluid leak on the Spokane St Swing Bridge (aka West Seattle Low-Level Bridge). To protect the safety of travelers and mitigate potentially costly cumulative damages, they will be conducting emergency repairs starting at 8 PM tonight, 6/20/18. The bridge will swing out of commission for a week or more and will be closed to vehicle traffic but open to marine vessels.

The leak is in one of the cylinder seals, shown above. To determine the extent of the damage, the bridge must be swung out in its open position and remain there during inspection and repairs.

 Detour Routes:

Their team is currently placing portable message signs on S Spokane St, east of E Marginal, facing WB traffic; the message to vehicle drivers:

“SPOKANE | BRIDGE | CLOSED

WEST OF | HARBOR | ISLAND”

Vehicle Detour Routes will begin at 8 PM and be clearly marked at the following locations:

• Chelan Ave SW
• 1st Ave S
• E Marginal
• Harbor

 Bike Riders:

For Wednesday night only they are providing van service for bike riders. Van service will stage at the approaches to and from Spokane St Swing Bridge.

Our Bridges & Roadway Structures crews staff the City’s moving bridges 24/7. Bridge Operations and Maintenance Manager, Paul Jackson, said a leak unnoticed could cause increasing and eventually severe structural damage.

“Our bridge tenders don’t just sit in a tower—they inspect everything closely—over, and over again. I’m proud of them, though we all realize the repair work will cause significant traffic delays, we’re happy to have found the problem while it may still be small.” – Paul Jackson

It’s hoped the repair will be complete by the middle of next week, but that cannot be confirmed until the cylinder is opened and more thoroughly investigated for damage.

Contact SDOT

Have a question or want more information? Visit their Bridges page or contact their Bridges and Roadway Structures manager, Paul Jackson, by email at paul.jackson@seattle.gov or phone 206.684.8325.