Seattle’s First Avenue Bridge operating again after being stuck in open position
Apr 8, 2026, 6:51 AM | Updated: 2:42 pm
The northbound SR 99 First Avenue Bridge in Seattle is seen currently stuck in the open position early Wednesday morning. (Photo courtesy of WSDOT)
(Photo courtesy of WSDOT)
The northbound SR 99 First Avenue Bridge in Seattle was stuck in the open position early Wednesday morning.
According to KIRO Newsradio traffic reporter Chris Sullivan, the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) did not know why the bridge was stuck open.
At approximately 8:50 a.m., one of the two spans had come down, with the second span being fixed a few minutes later. All northbound lanes have since reopened.
The 1st Ave S Bridge is finally down. Still waiting for update on when NB lanes will reopen. pic.twitter.com/CSLRPy3pDe
— KIRO Newsradio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) April 8, 2026
Backups stretched as far as four miles long due to the bridge being stuck in the open position.
“Maintenance crews are on-site troubleshooting,” WSDOT reported on X. “There is no estimate on when the bridge will reopen to traffic.”
The northbound SR 99 First Ave Bridge in Seattle is currently stuck in the open position.
Maintenance crews are onsite troubleshooting. There is no estimate on when the bridge will reopen to traffic.
Expect delays or plan an alternate route. @SDOTtraffic @SDOTbridges pic.twitter.com/FDqE6y5VVq
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) April 8, 2026
WSDOT had warned drivers and early-morning commuters to expect delays or plan an alternate route. Some drivers had been stuck for two hours.
A camera is capturing the stuck bridge on the Seattle Department of Transportation’s website. You can see it here.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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