SDOT reopens Spokane Street Swing Bridge 4 days early

Image from SDOT via the service formerly known as Twitter.

Here's some great news for people who walk or bike to and from West Seattle: SDOT has completed work on the Spokane Street Swing Bridge in just half the time they originally estimated. The bridge is now operational, and the vital trail it carries is open.

The bridge was closed October 7 to install a repaired turn cylinder that was removed during the closure last winter, and it was not scheduled to reopen until Saturday. So crews were able to reopen in the bridge in less than half the time originally estimated.

This news means a lot of people will be spared the long and stressful detour to the 1st Avenue Bridge and through SoDo. The department did not say how crews achieved this early reopening, but perhaps they have gotten very good at fixing this odd pivoting bridge because it breaks down so often. Regardless, the crews deserve major kudos.

More closures will be needed in the somewhat near future to repair the other cylinders and the control system, though dates have not yet been announced.