Hood Canal Bridge reopens after mechanical malfunction

WASHINGTON — The State Route 104 Hood Canal Bridge was closed for hours Sunday, causing problems for local businesses and commuters.

The bridge was closed in both directions to vehicle and marine traffic, transportation officials said.

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Sunday morning, the bridge experienced a mechanical malfunction on its western half. Transportation officials had to manually close the bridge.

For Majestic Mountain Coffee Roasters owner Randy Olson the closure meant fewer customers. Typically, Olson said his coffee shop, located just a few feet from the Edmonds/Kingston ferry, is packed on Sundays.

Olson has owned the shop for 23 years. He said whenever the Hood Canal Bridge closes, profits suffer.

"It's not something we can't overcome," said Olson. "But it's nice to have that business."

For commuters Allison Lofton and Steve Asher, the bridge closure meant a long trip home after a weekend bike ride.

"We sat for about an hour down there," Lofton said. "There's a big sign. But we were hoping that it might be open by the time we got there."

There was not initially an estimated reopening time. Drivers were asked to consider alternate routes.

State Department of Transportation workers were able to manually fix the bridge just before 3 p.m.

Cox Media Group