TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: West Seattle low bridge reopens to people on bikes and on foot; still closed to drivers, possibly for ‘days’

(SDOT camera screenshot, 1:50 pm)

2 PM: As we previously reported here, the West Seattle low bridge (aka Spokane Street Swing Bridge) has been closed to surface traffic – bicyclists and pedestrians as well as drivers – since a crash last night damaged one of its cross-bridge barriers. We’ve been asking SDOT for an update, and just received this from spokesperson Maribel Cruz:

Our crews have been on site since last night, working diligently to secure the area. Currently, the barrier remains down, and both our mechanical and electrical teams are conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage. Early findings indicate damage to both the barrier and the mechanical housing, making it unlikely that the bridge will reopen today. We’re actively coordinating next steps and will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.

The driver smashed his car into the barrier as the bridge was opening for marine traffic just after 7 pm last night. He and a passenger were both taken to Harborview Medical Center; he was also reported by police as under arrest for investigation of DUI. We’ll update this story when we get more info from SDOT.

5:16 PM: No update from SDOT yet, but we notice via the live low-bridge camera that the bridge has been brought back into the “closed” position.

6:44 PM: Thanks for the tips. SDOT hadn’t been updating on X/Twitter but they did, it turns out, post that the low bridge is now open to pedestrians and bicyclists. Still closed to drivers. … We also have obtained more information about the crash investigation from police and have added it to the original story, including why the driver might face a gun-related charge.

9:13 PM: SDOT now says the low bridge might not reopen to drivers for at least a “few days.” The work done so far is what enabled the bridge to open for bicyclists and pedestrians – and ships will be able to request openings – but according to SDOT, “technicians do not expect to be able to reopen the bridge within the next few days and are continuing to develop a more exact timeline.” The department’s update explains that Saturday night’s “collision severely damaged the mechanical gate, lock mechanism, gate control panel, and sensors that are essential for safe bridge operations.” Also: “People may notice pedestrian signals will say ‘don’t walk’ even when the pedestrian gates are open and the bridge is properly locked in place for land travel. This is due to damaged sensors in the vehicle gate. The engineers are working to correct the signal issue, but rest assured it is safe for bicycles and pedestrians to cross when the pedestrian gates are open and there are no flashing lights or warning bells.”

K September 15, 2024 (3:05 pm)

Can drunk drivers be charged with destruction of property or anything when something like this happen? Or does the statute require the state to prove intent to cause that damage in order to charge them with anything additional?

WSB September 15, 2024 (4:57 pm)

Reply

Well, there’s the issue of “restitution” that comes up in many criminal cases … I’ll admit we don’t pay close attention to that part of sentencings. But it’s in most docs when cases get to that point. – TR

DC September 15, 2024 (3:53 pm)

I had no idea the bridge had a barrier that could actually stop a speeding car. Had in my mind it was just the drop gates you see at rail crossings. Is that standard now at all opening bridges?

West Marge September 15, 2024 (10:41 pm)

Reply

This guy was trying to jump the bridge like the Duke brothers

Chris September 15, 2024 (4:38 pm)

The water taxi is allowing cyclists to ride for free, just had to ask and explain that the low bridge is out.

Admiral-2009 September 15, 2024 (5:50 pm)

I hope the driver who caused this is made to pay full restitution to the City, aka taxpayers, for the costs associated to repair the bridge!

K September 15, 2024 (6:06 pm)

SDOT tweeted about an hour ago that the bridge is opening to pedestrians and bicycles, just not cars.

WSB September 15, 2024 (9:17 pm)

Late-night update: The bridge might not reopen to drivers for “a few days.”

S September 16, 2024 (8:54 am)

I am a bit foggy this morning. Is the low bridge currently open to bikes and pedestrians, or is work being done so that it can in the future be open to bikes and pedestrians?