Seattle needs a transportation network that can better adapt to the unexpected.
Update – 12pm, 11/14/21, the University Bridge has been reopened for use.
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is working to repair damaged electrical equipment which has caused the University Bridge to be stuck in an upright position since Friday morning. At this time, it is unknown how long it will take for the repairs to the lift bridge to be completed.
In the meantime, King County Metro bus lines, including the 70 and 49, have been rerouted around the closure — apparently via the I-5 Bridge, although the rider alert didn’t specify. Most Route 49 stops on Harvard Avenue are closed, as are the northernmost Eastlake Avenue E stops. People trying to catch those buses from the Portage Bay area apparently must schlep up to the Roanoke Street bus stops near the I-5 on-ramp on Harvard Avenue. Signs have also been placed at key decision points around Seattle so people driving can know to avoid the University Bridge area.
The bridge closure will impact traffic to two major sports events scheduled for later today. At 4pm the University of Washington Huskies play the Arizona State Sun Devils at the UW Husky Stadium, which is served directly by Link light rail. For people driving in from north of Seattle, free parking is available at the Northgate Station, which is only an estimated five-minute ride on Link light rail.
The new Seattle Kraken hockey team hosts the Minnesota Wild at the Climate Pledge Arena at 7pm All ticket holders can ride transit for free using the Kraken + Climate Pledge Arena mobile app. SDOT has also created a guide for walking, biking, or rolling to Climate Pledge Arena for event goers.
SDOT is strongly encouraging event goers to take transit, walk, or bike to the games and plan for more street congestion than on a typical game day. Those taking the busses in the U District and Montlake may encounter slower time due to the reroute, so it’d be a great day to take advantage of Link light rail.
The problem was initially attributed to to burnt-out fuses in the bridge’s mechanical system, which resulted in a failed transformer. However, after replacing the faulty parts failed to resolve the issue, SDOT engineers identified that a deeper electricity malfunction was at work. Engineers are still working to pinpoint the problem’s root cause, heightening uncertainty around how long the closure will last.
The electrical malfunction comes on the heels of ongoing discussion around how much the City should be investing in maintaining and repairing Seattle’s bridges.
