1st Avenue S. Bridge could have reduced lanes until March 6
Feb 20, 2026, 6:00 AM | Updated: 7:31 am
Two NB lanes of SR 99 First Avenue Bridge in Seattle closed following "routine inspection." (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The 1st Avenue S. Bridge could have reduced lanes until March 6, the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced Thursday afternoon.
“It is too early to outline a repair plan or timeline, but crews are actively working to determine next steps and will share updates by March 6,” WSDOT stated.
Engineers are concerned about the steel grid bridge deck. Drivers should expect significant and ongoing delays, especially northbound into Seattle.
“To protect public safety, two right lanes are closed, and speed in the open lanes has been reduced to 25 mph,” WSDOT stated. “The HOV lane is open to all traffic until further notice to help maintain capacity. The bridge remains open and operational, including for maritime traffic, and vessel openings will continue as needed.”
WSDOT noted the last significant repairs to this bridge were in 2020, when 14 deck panels were replaced.
“This lane reduction closure highlights the critical need for investment in preservation of our transportation system,” the agency stated.
1st Avenue S. Bridge shut down overnight
WSDOT shut down two right lanes of northbound SR 99 over the 1st Avenue S. Bridge overnight. Bridge inspectors did not like what they saw during a routine inspection and shut down the lanes as a precaution. The speed in the remaining open lane has been reduced to 25 mph.
REMINDER: Two right lanes of the northbound SR 99/First Avenue Bridge remain closed until further notice. The speed has also been reduced to 25 MPH.
Bridge maintenance crews will be back on site today. Expect delays @seattledot https://t.co/nzQQWkwdYp pic.twitter.com/2djl8eCGOe
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 19, 2026
“Our bridge maintenance team has closed the lanes and reduced the speed on the northbound bridge to 25 MPH following a routine bridge inspection,” WSDOT stated at 5 a.m. Thursday. “Bridge engineers will be on site again today to continue their assessment. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.”
The lane closures created a three-mile-long backup on NB SR 509 south of the bridge during the height of the morning commute.
UPDATE: We are seeing 3.5 mile backup on northbound SR 509 heading into Georgetown/SODO due to these lane reductions on the SR 99/First Avenue Bridge.
Continue to expect delays in this area. Two right lanes of the First Avenue Bridge remain closed. https://t.co/AotOjfdIiz pic.twitter.com/2Sl7ly8oYq
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 19, 2026
By 8:30 a.m., the HOV lane reopened.
UPDATE #2: The HOV lane over the SR 99/First Avenue Bridge is now OPEN to all traffic. Two right lanes of the First Avenue Bridge remain closed. The speed limit has also been reduced to 25 MPH.
Continue to expect delays in this area. https://t.co/vAtmZHcwak pic.twitter.com/mnJrLvlXHo
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 19, 2026
Chris Sullivan is a traffic reporter for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here. Follow KIRO Newsradio traffic on X.
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