Lower Spokane Street Bridge closed for emergency repairs

SEATTLE — The Seattle Department of Transportation is conducting emergency repairs on the lower Spokane Street Swing Bridge after a bridge operators discovered a hydraulic fluid leak during a routine inspection Wednesday.

The repairs began at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

"The bridge will swing out of commission for a week or more and will be closed to vehicle traffic but open to marine vessels," SDOT said in a news release.

Officials say the hydraulic fluid leak is in one of the cylinder seals, and to determine the extent of the damage the "bridge must be swung out it in its open position and remain there during repairs."

Here's what SDOT says commuters can expect:

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-SDOT officials are placing portable message signs on S Spokane St, east of E Marginal, facing WB traffic; the message to vehicle drivers: "SPOKANE | BRIDGE | CLOSED WEST OF | HARBOR | ISLAND"

-Vehicle Detour Routes will begin at 8 p.m. and be clearly marked at the following locations: Chelan Ave SW, 1st Ave S, E Marginal, Harbor

- Only on Wednesday, SDOT is providing a van service for bike riders. Van service "will stage at the approaches to and from Spokane St Bridge," according to SDOT.

Click here for more information on the detour routes SDOT is asking commuters to use.

Cox Media Group