University Bridge repaired, reopened to traffic
Photo credit: SDOT
SEATTLE - The University Bridge has been repaired and reopened to normal traffic after being stuck in the open position since Friday.
The bridge was stuck in an open position since Friday morning, caused by an electrical system failure. Crews worked to rectify the mechanical issues keeping the bridge up on Friday, replacing burnt-out fuses; once those parts were replaced, engineers learned there was ‘a deeper electrical malfunction’ they are working to identify. The University of Washington sent out an alert to students, warning them of the bridge closure ahead of Saturday's football game.
Crews were able to fix the bridge and get it to close Sunday morning.
Speaking on the closure, Seattle Councilmember Alex Pedersen issued the following statement:
"After the devastating closure of the West Seattle Bridge and the citywide audit of bridges I ordered last year, City Hall should not need additional evidence to do more for bridge safety, but I’m hopeful the sudden closure of the University Bridge – blocking buses, freight, commuters, bikes, and pedestrians – finally propels our Seattle Department of Transportation to expedite how it addresses our aging bridge infrastructure. After a year of debate and delay to prioritize Seattle’s bridge network, I’m eager to have a majority of City Council finally approve later this month my long-standing proposal to authorize a boost of funds needed to fix our aging bridges. I want to thank the workers who have been struggling to repair and reopen another broken bridge and to urge all City leaders to give them the help they need to do their jobs to keep all Seattle bridges safe and secure."
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