3:20 PM: No word yet on whatever inspectors found that led to the closure of two lanes across the 1st Avenue South Bridge overnight, as reported here. We asked WSDOT for details; a spokesperson told us, “Our bridge engineers are on site today doing further assessments, after which we should be able to provide an update.” They also have opened the HOV lane to all traffic, in hopes that will reduce the potential for backups, though at “reduced speeds of 25 MPH over the bridge.” The bridge is a state-owned structure that was put to use as the major bridge across the Duwamish River during the two and a half years the West Seattle Bridge was out of service 2020-2022. It’s actually two bridges of different ages – the northbound side is older, built 70 years ago (lots of background in this story we published in 2020).

4:35 PM: More info just in from WSDOT. What the inspectors initially found, they tell WSB, was “concerns with the steel grid bridge deck. … Bridge engineers are on site conducting a more detailed assessment. 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 6th.” The update we received in response to followup questions also says:

Like many structures across the system, it requires ongoing maintenance and targeted repairs to remain in service. The last significant repairs to this bridge occurred in 2020, when 14 deck panels were replaced. This lane reduction closure highlights the critical need for investment in preservation of our transportation system. Governor Ferguson proposed a $2.1 billion investment in preservation including $1.1 billion for bridges.

As for what this means if you use the bridge, WSDOT reiterates:

To protect public safety, two right lanes are closed and speed in the open lanes has been reduced to 25 mph. 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.

People traveling through the area should expect significant and ongoing delays, especially northbound into Seattle. These impacts come on top of existing lane reductions on I-5, which continue to affect regional travel.

6:31 PM: WSDOT has now issued a news release with more details on what we reported above, and a bit more background on the bridge’s most-recent challenges.

Starting Monday (February 23), you’ll be able to use more than just an ORCA card on most regional transit services if you want to “tap to pay.” Here’s the announcement we received today:

On February 23, ORCA is launching a new Tap to Pay feature allowing riders to use credit and debit cards, and digital wallets, to pay for transit across the Puget Sound region.

Riders can simply tap their contactless Visa, Mastercard, Discover® Network, or American Express credit or debit cards, or cards in digital wallets, using Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay™ to ride. This new feature expands access to public transportation and supports seamless travel experiences for both daily riders and visitors alike.

This new feature also comes as Seattle and the Puget Sound region prepare to host several large events in 2026. With many international visitors expected to travel across the region, Tap to Pay simplifies transit and aligns with global expectations for convenient payment options. …

How the new Tap to Pay feature works:

Riders can pay for transit with most contactless-enabled credit or debit cards with a contactless symbol, or with digital credit or debit cards via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, by tapping their cards or smart devices on ORCA card readers.

ORCA cards will still be issued and accepted across the region on buses, trains, and ferries. ORCA cards continue to provide the most cost-effective, convenient benefits for many riders across the region, especially those enrolled in free or reduced fare programs such as ORCA LIFT, Senior RRFP, Disabled RRFP, Youth, and those with employer or organization sponsored ORCA cards.

Contactless payments through ORCA are not accepted on:

Seattle Monorail
Washington State Ferries
King County Metro DART, Community Vans, Metro Flex
Community Transit DART, Zip Shuttle
Pierce Transit SHUTTLE, Pierce Transit Runner
Everett Transit Paratransit

Some of these services may offer other ways to pay using contactless payments outside of the ORCA system. Tap to Pay will soon be available on Kitsap Transit Fast Ferries, Foot Ferries, and King County Water Taxi.

Riders paying with contactless credit or debit cards are charged an adult fare and will still receive the ORCA 2-hour transfer window benefit, allowing for seamless transfers across Puget Sound, as they do today.

Riders cannot receive discounts (Senior, Youth, ORCA LIFT, Disabled) or passes. Riders with ORCA cards that receive discounts are encouraged to keep tapping their existing ORCA cards.

Customers will not be able to pay for multiple riders or groups using one card or device. Every rider will need their own payment method.

Cards need to be tapped directly on the ORCA card readers. Riders should remove physical cards from their wallets before tapping to avoid unwanted charges on other cards or tap failures.

If you have both an ORCA card and a credit or debit card in Google Wallet™, the card reader should default to charging your digital ORCA card when tapped. If you wish to use a digital credit or debit card, select that form of payment on your smart device before tapping.

For Apple Pay users with Express Mode enabled, riders can simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a card reader to ride transit across the Puget Sound Region — without having to unlock or wake up their device. And with power reserve, if their iPhone needs to be charged, they can still use it to ride transit.

Riders who tap with a contactless payment method may be subject to fare inspection on some services. Fare inspectors will not scan credit or debit cards; however, they will ask Tap to Pay riders to share the last 4 digits of their card number to confirm fare was paid. This allows fare inspectors to input the last 4 digits of the card used to confirm that the fare transaction occurred. More information on how fare inspection will work can be found here: https://info.myorca.com/contactless/#fareinspection

ORCA cards remain the best option for many, but this enhancement to the ORCA Product suite makes riding transit easier than ever for all types of riders.

Learn more at info.myORCA.com/contactless