SHINE — The state Department of Transportation has announced upcoming restrictions on openings of the Hood Canal Bridge.
Beginning Thursday and continuing through Sept. 30, the bridge will operate under seasonal restrictions, according to a WSDOT press release.
In addition, from 7 a.m. June 9 through 5 p.m. June 13, the bridge will not open for any marine traffic. During that period, works crews will perform maintenance, WSDOT said.
The maintenance work will not affect vehicle traffic across the bridge, nor will it affect vessel traffic under the truss spans at either end of the bridge.
During the seasonal restrictions, recreational boaters may not request an opening of the draw span between 3 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. daily.
Drivers should note that this restriction does not apply to commercial or military vessels, WSDOT said.
The department also reminds boaters that federal regulations require vessels to pass under the truss spans at either end of the bridge, if possible.
The truss span at the west end of the bridge in Jefferson County provides 31 feet of clearance, while the span at the east end in Kitsap County provides 50 feet of clearance.
Vessels whose superstructures, masts or antennae extend more than 50 feet above the waterline may call the bridge crew on VHF channel 13 or by telephone at 360-779-3233 at least one hour before the intended opening.
Requesting an unneeded draw span opening is an offense reportable to the Coast Guard.
