Are drawbridges annoying or part of Seattle’s character?

Is there anything more frustrating than sitting behind a drawbridge in Seattle when you’re running late?

Maybe there is, but it’s still frustrating, especially when, as Ron of KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don Show points out, it’s 1 p.m. on a Friday and a sailboat is cruising through the University Bridge with a group of people sipping wine. And you’re sweating it out trying to get to a work appointment.

So should we just do away with drawbridges in Seattle? Or is it part of the city’s charm? 710 ESPN Seattle’s Mike Salk, filling in for Don, put the age-old (that’s made up) question to Twitter.

Poll: The drawbridges around Seattle

— Mike Salk, 710 ESPN (@TheMikeSalk) August 31, 2018

As of 5:40 p.m. on Friday, 56 percent of those polled said that drawbridges give great Northwest character. The rest think they’re antiquated and a nuisance.

Certainly, they’re old.

According to the City of Seattle, two bridges — the Fremont and Ballard bridges — are over 100 years old. They were both built in 1917. The Fremont Bridge only has a vessel clearance of 30 feet, for crying out loud. Ballard Bridge is at 44 feet. The University Bridge, with a clearance of 42.5 feet, turns 100 next year.

Maybe a higher clearance would solve some of the problems, but that’s not an immediate fix.

The City says “the average bridge opening, from the time street traffic stops to the time it resumes, lasts about 4 minutes.” So take it easy, Ron.

There are a lot of rules for boat captains who need a bridge opened in Seattle. Here’s a full list. But drivers should know that federal law gives maritime law the right-of-way on most waterways. So sit back, tune into KIRO Radio, and chill.

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