For about an hour on Wednesday, the lower Spokane Street Swing Bridge was shut down for mechanical reasons. The Seattle Department of Transportation announced the closure and then just about 58 minutes later they had it open again.

SDOT released this statement:

"The Spokane Street Swing Bridge (low bridge) is fully operational again.  Early this morning, one of the three pumps needed for the bridge’s operation started to lose pressure and exhibit atypical noises, requiring SDOT to cease bridge operations while our crews inspected the issue and performed the necessary actions to restart the bridge. Over the course of the next few days, we will determine if the pump should be replaced or can be repaired. During that time, SDOT will station electrician and mechanical crews at the low bridge during the morning and afternoon peak periods in the event the pump requires additional attention.  On Tuesday, November 9, SDOT planned to replace a different pump on the bridge. There will be no traffic impacts to vehicles when replacing this pump on Tuesday. Any repair or replacement activities required for the pump that malfunctioned today can be performed at that time. "