The Spokane Street Swing Bridge, also known as the Low Bridge, will close to driver traffic starting Saturday, October 24, at 7 a.m. through Monday, October 26, at 4 a.m.. Crews will be replacing the center lock components that lock the bridge's swing spans together to ensure the bridge continues operating smoothly. While motor vehicles will not be able to drive across the bridge during the shutdown, people walking, biking, or rolling will still be permitted to cross.

To assist travelers during the weekend closure, officials have compiled several transit and travel resources:

• Bus Transit: Travelers can ride the bus via the West Seattle high bridge, and route updates are available through the King County Metro trip planner page.
• Water Taxi: Passengers can choose to ride the Water Taxi, operated by King County between West Seattle and downtown Seattle, which runs seven days a week in the winter and accommodates up to 26 bicycles per vessel.
• High Bridge Driving: Motorists can drive or carpool on the West Seattle Bridge, which remains open without restrictions for motor vehicles, though pedestrians and cyclists are prohibited.
• Active Transportation: Commuters can continue to walk, bike, or roll across the low bridge throughout the maintenance period.
• Freight and Business Access: Detour routes are established for freight and business access to Harbor Island and Terminal 5, with Harbor Island accessible from the east via SW Spokane Street and Terminal 5 accessible via the high bridge.

This weekend's lock replacement is part of the broader Spokane Street Swing Bridge Rehabilitation Program. Originally built in 1991, the structure serves as a critical crossing over the West Duwamish Waterway, connecting West Seattle and Harbor Island to SODO, local business districts, and Port of Seattle facilities. It provides a vital route for emergency vehicles, public transit, heavy freight, and industrial maritime businesses. The unique concrete bridge opens approximately 1,500 times per year for marine traffic by rotating its two 480-foot center spans 45 degrees, floating on steel barrel cylinders filled with hydraulic oil, making it the only bridge of its kind in the world.

The bridge played an outsized role connecting West Seattle during the West Seattle Bridge closure, prompting city leaders to develop a forward-thinking plan to strengthen and monitor the low bridge. Since 2020, major maintenance milestones have been completed:

• Structural Strengthening: Epoxy resin crack injections and carbon-fiber wrapping were added to interior and exterior surfaces in 2022.
• Seismic and System Upgrades: Earthquake safety upgrades were completed in 2024 alongside control and communication system upgrades.
• Hydraulic Maintenance: Refurbished turn cylinders were successfully reinstalled in 2025.

Work on the bridge will continue throughout the remainder of the year to rehabilitate its concrete spans, pivot points, and electrical control systems. Residents can monitor project progress on the official project webpage or sign up to receive email updates as additional repairs are scheduled.