WSDOT closes lanes on SR-99 First Avenue bridge in Seattle after inspection

Two lanes of the northbound SR-99 First Avenue Bridge in Seattle are closed until further notice following a recent inspection.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), a travel advisory was issued at 11 p.m. Wednesday after crews identified concerns with the steel grid bridge deck.

What we know:

The right two lanes are closed, and the speed limit on the northbound bridge has been reduced to 25 mph. The HOV lane is open to all traffic to help maintain capacity.

WSDOT says engineers are on site conducting a more detailed assessment.

Why are there lane closures on the SR-99 bridge in Seattle?

WSDOT said the reason for the lane closures were "concerns with the steel grid bridge deck" that were identified during a routine inspection.

The last significant repairs to the bridge happened back in 2020, when 14 deck panels were replaced. 

What we don't know:

WSDOT said it's too early to outline a repair plan or timeline for when the bridge will fully reopen. Crews are working to determine next steps and will share out updates by March 6.

Traffic on the SR 99 First Avenue Bridge due to Lane Closures

Two lanes of the northbound SR-99 First Avenue Bridge in Seattle are closed until further notice following a recent inspection. (FOX 13 Seattle)

Drivers are warned to expect significant and ongoing delays in the area. This comes as lane reductions are already impacting traffic on I-5 for the Revive I-5 project.

For up-to-date traffic information, visit WSDOT's real-time travel map.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Source: Information in this story comes from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

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