Movable bridges on state routes

The Washington State Department of Transportation operates 17 moveable bridges on state routes. Federal Law Title 33, Part 177 Draw Bridge Operations ) gives marine traffic the right-of-way over vehicular traffic.

U.S. Coast Guard local notices to mariners

WSDOT works with the US Coast Guard to create reasonable restrictions on marine openings (for vessels under 5,000 gross tons) during peak travel times to ease congestion for drivers when possible.

I-5 - Interstate Bridge

Location

Spans the Columbia River at Vancouver.

Restrictions on marine openings

Monday to Friday, 6:30 - 9 a.m. and 2:30 - 6 p.m., excluding Federal holidays.

Vessel clearance

72' at zero level

Request an opening

Call the bridge tender at 971-673-6120 or on VHF CH. #13 or #16.

SR 99 - First Avenue South Bridge

Location

Seattle

Restrictions on marine openings

Drawbridge openings for marine traffic are restricted on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. However, the drawbridge may be opened any time on the weekend or on federal holidays.

Exceptions

The draws shall open at any time for a vessel of 5000 gross tons and over, a vessel towing a vessel of 5000 gross tons and over, and a vessel proceeding to pick up for towing a vessel of 5000 gross tons and over. Bridge openings are allowed at any time on the weekends and on all Federal holidays except Columbus Day.

Vessel clearance

48'

Request an opening

Call the bridge tender at 206-764-4160 or on VHF CH. #13.

Average opening time

11 minutes, traffic delays may be longer

US 101 - Hoquiam River Bridges

Location

Hoquiam

Restrictions on marine openings

There are no restrictions.

Vessel clearance

80' at low tide.

Request an opening

Call WSDOT bridge maintenance staff at 360-533-9360 at least one hour before the intended opening. If the desired opening is one hour before sunrise or one hour after sunrise, no prior notice is required.

US 101 - Chehalis River Bridge

Location

Aberdeen

Restrictions on marine openings

Drawbridge openings for marine traffic are restricted on weekdays between 7:15 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. and between 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. However, the drawbridge may be opened any time on the weekend or federal holidays.

Vessel clearance

55' at low tide

Request an opening

Call WSDOT bridge maintenance staff at 360.533.9360. If the desired opening is one hour before sunrise or one hour after sunrise, no prior notice is required.

SR 104 - Hood Canal Bridge

Location

North end of Hood Canal

Restrictions on marine openings

Between May 22 and Sept. 30, private vessels are prohibited from marine openings between 3 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The hours correspond to peak afternoon traffic. Federal law requires marine openings for commercial and Department of Defense vessels regardless of time of day. Additional information is located on the Hood Canal Bridge page.

Vessel clearance

Minimum vertical clearances at Mean High Water (MHW) is 31 feet at the west end and 50 feet at the east end. Clearances will vary based on tides, so mariners using this channel are advised to use caution.

Request an opening

Call the bridge crew at 360.779.3233 or on VHF CH #13 at least one hour before the intended opening.

Average opening time

30 minutes, traffic delays may be longer.

SR 513 - Montlake Bridge

Location

Seattle

Vessel clearance

 46'

Request an opening

Call the bridge tender at 206.720.3048 or on VHF CH. #13

Average opening time

4 minutes, traffic delays may be longer

SR 529 - Snohomish River Bridges

Location

Everett

Restrictions on marine openings

There are no restrictions for marine traffic because the SR 529 Bridges are over a tidal estuary and critical freight route. Many vessels are only able to navigate the river and sloughs during high tide so bridge openings are regulated by the timing of the tide.

Vessel clearance

Vertical clearance at high tide is 35 feet. Clearance heights change with the 5.7 foot tidal swings.

• Steamboat Slough Ship Canal: 105 feet
• Snohomish River Bridge: 70 feet

Request an opening

Call the bridge tender at 425-257-2129 or VHF CH. #13 at least four hours before intended opening of the Steamboat Slough Bridges and at least one hour before intended opening of the Ebey Slough Bridge.

Average opening time

• Steamboat Slough Bridges: 14 minutes, traffic delays may be longer
• Snohomish River Bridges: 7 minutes, traffic delays may be longer

US 12 - Heron Street Bridge

Location

Aberdeen

Restrictions on marine openings

There are no restrictions.

Vessel clearance

19' at low tide

Request an opening

Call WSDOT bridge maintenance staff at 360-533-9360.

US 12 - Wishkah Street Bridge

Location

Aberdeen

Restrictions on marine openings

There are no restrictions.

Vessel clearance

19' at low tide

Request an opening

Call WSDOT bridge maintenance staff at 360-533-9360.

US 12 - Snake River Bridge

Location

Clarkston

Vessel clearance

Close the vessel clearance ranges from 10 -15' depending on the tide. Open the vessel clearance ranges from 40-45' depending on the tide.

Request an opening

Call the bridge tender at 509-577-1910 at least two hours before the intended opening Monday through Thursday. Marine opening requests for Friday through Sunday must be given by 5 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday. For holidays opening requests must be made by 5 p.m. two working days (excluding Friday) before the intended opening.

Other moveable bridges in Washington State

Burlington Northern Bridge: owned and operated by Burlington Northern Railroad.

The following moveable bridges are owned and operated by the Seattle Department of Transportation

• Fremont Bridge
• University Bridge
• Southwest Spokane Street Swing Bridge
• Ballard Bridge