The King County Road Services Division will close the South Park Bridge over the Duwamish River on 14th/16th Avenue South this Saturday, Aug. 29 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for repairs.

The bridge will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic over the bridge and to large marine vessels on the water.



In recent years, the 80-year-old drawbridge has become more difficult to operate due to long-term movement of the bridge piers, according to the King County Department of Transportation.

During the closure, crews will be working to realign the two sides of the drawbridge for smoother opening and closing. Motorists can detour via the First Avenue South Bridge.



Studies of the South Park Bridge show that the condition of the span is severely deteriorated and was made worse during the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake. King County is expected to complete the Environmental Impact Statement process shortly. 

Design of the new bridge will be completed later this year.  The crossing is used by approximately 20,000 vehicles a day, and has a moveable span that opens to accommodate large marine vessels on the river.