The Spokane St Swing Bridge, commonly known as the West Seattle low bridge, will undergo a full closure to car traffic this weekend to address ongoing mechanical issues.

The Closure Details

Starting Saturday, August 22, at 7:00 AM, the low bridge will be closed to all motor vehicles. The closure is expected to last until Monday, August 24, at 4:00 AM.

While motorists will need to find alternative routes, people biking and walking will still be permitted to cross the bridge's 12-foot pedestrian and bicycle path during the maintenance window. However, travelers should expect possible delays due to bridge openings for boat passage and active maintenance testing.

Why Is the Bridge Closing?

The primary goal of this weekend's closure is to replace the barrier gate on the west side of the bridge. The entire barrier gate system has been experiencing persistent operational issues since it was damaged in a vehicle collision in September 2024.

Replacing the west side barrier gate is just the first step. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) plans to replace the east side barrier gate in the coming months, which will require coordinating work schedules with local railroad companies.

A Critical Community Link

Built in 1991, the concrete swing bridge is a unique piece of infrastructure that rotates 45 degrees to allow maritime traffic to pass through the Duwamish Waterway. It opens roughly 1,500 times a year.

Because it connects West Seattle and Harbor Island with SODO, the Duwamish Valley, and Port of Seattle facilities, the bridge serves as a critical corridor. It is an essential route for heavy freight, transit, emergency vehicles, and thousands of daily bicycle and pedestrian commuters.

Local transportation officials are carrying out these upgrades as part of an ongoing, multi-year rehabilitation program designed to extend the life of the 30-year-old bridge and improve the overall resiliency of West Seattle's transit network.