Crews should only need one weekend to complete weather-dependent work. Changes for boat traffic and pedestrians.
UPDATE: The proposed weekend closure for April 22-25 is now postponed to the next proposed date of May 20-23.
SEATTLE – Following last year's successful replacement of the metal grid deck on the Montlake Bridge in Seattle, the bridge will close once more this spring for some final work on this project.
One more full-weekend closure
Hamilton Construction Co. contractor crews, working for the Washington State Department of Transportation, will return to the bridge to do some paving work on each end. This work requires a full closure of the bridge, including sidewalks, at 11 p.m. on Friday through 5 a.m. the following Monday.
Because the work is highly weather-dependent, WSDOT has chosen three possible weekends for completion:
- May 20-23
- June 3-6
WSDOT and contractors will check the forecast on the week of the proposed closure. If bad weather is expected, work will be rescheduled for the next available weekend. For example, if conditions do not allow for work to be completed April 22-25, work will be rescheduled for May 20-23.
Changes for boaters
Over the active work weekend, there will be single-leaf openings, by request, for boat traffic using the Montlake Cut. This means only one side of the bridge will open for boat traffic between 11 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. the following Monday.
Double-leaf openings require a 24-hour notice to the bridge operator: 206-720-3048 or VHF-FM Channel 13.
Signage around the bridge will indicate which leaf will open. These signs may change without prior notice. View the United States Coast Guard's Local Notice to Mariners (PDF 460KB) and get more information on clearance estimates on the project webpage.
With bridge openings reduced to a single leaf, boaters may notice queuing and waits on either side of the bridge. WSDOT urges all boaters to travel at a reduced speed, avoid passing other boats going in the same direction, and keep a safe distance from other boats.
Shuttles available
The bridge sidewalks will be closed for pedestrians and bicyclists during this work and shuttles will be available to transport people from one side to the other via a detour.
Plan ahead
While the bridge is closed, travelers can expect possible delays in their trip particularly in the immediate surrounding areas of the bridge, including State Route 520 and Interstate 5. Travelers should consider alternate routes if possible.
People can stay up to date on this project and others by downloading the WSDOT app, and get real-time traffic information on the WSDOT Traffic Twitter feed.