SHINE — A morning drawspan opening coupled with strong tides could close the Hood Canal Bridge for about three hours Wednesday, state Department of Transportation officials warned Tuesday.
The drawspan will open for marine traffic at 9:15 a.m.
The bridge could remain closed to vehicles until slack tide at 12:30 p.m., Transportation officials said.
Prepare for delays
Drivers planning to cross the bridge should be prepared for long delays and consider alternate routes, said Claudia Bingham Baker, Transportation spokeswoman.
Construction on the floating bridge and a high tide caused the drawspan to move out of alignment by about 7 feet Sept. 9, forcing a six-hour closure.
Crews are replacing 21 of the bridge’s 42 anchor cables.
Until two new cables can be tightened, the drawspan is susceptible to drifting when opened for marine traffic during strong tides.
Transportation is using tugboats to realign the drawspan after marine vessels pass through the opening.
A second drawspan opening is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Because strong tides are not expected at that time, drivers can expect routine delays of up to 60 minutes, Baker said.
Ten cables have been replaced, one is in the process of being replaced and 10 cables remain to be done.
Crews plan to complete the project before the storm season arrives, typically in October.
