West Seattle low bridge fully operational after mechanical issue

The Spokane Street Swing Bridge, or West Seattle low bridge, is fully operational after having to close to traffic briefly Wednesday.

Seattle police patrolling lower West Seattle Bridge after reports of covered plates

Early Wednesday, the Seattle Department of Transportation says one of the three pumps needed for the bridge’s operation started to lose pressure and exhibit atypical noises. This required SDOT to cease bridge operations while crews inspected the issue and performed necessary actions to restart the bridge.

In the coming days, it will be determined if the pump needs to be replaced or if it can be repaired. Meanwhile, electrician and mechanical crews will be stationed at the low bridge during the peak periods in the morning and afternoon in case the pump needs more attention.

On Tuesday, Nov. 9, crews had already planned to replace a different pump on the bridge. SDOT says there will be no traffic impacts to vehicles when replacing that pump. Any replacement or repair for the pump that malfunctioned Wednesday can be performed at the same time next week.

A look inside the West Seattle Bridge with repairs set to kick off

When the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge closed on March 23, 2020, access was restricted to the Spokane Street Swing Bridge. Daytime access to the low bridge is restricted in part to ensure that freight, transit, and emergency response vehicles can travel efficiently to and from West Seattle.

The low bridge is still closed to most vehicles weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Unauthorized vehicles will receive a $75 ticket for every trip across the bridge.

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