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Seattle's First Avenue Bridge stuck in open position
WSDOT says they don't know why the bridge is stuck open, causing delays for commuters
Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:51pm
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The northbound SR 99 First Avenue Bridge in Seattle is currently stuck in the open position early Wednesday morning, according to the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Maintenance crews are on-site troubleshooting the issue, but WSDOT says there is no estimate on when the bridge will reopen to traffic.
Why it matters
The First Avenue Bridge is a major thoroughfare in Seattle, connecting the downtown area to neighborhoods north of the city. With the bridge stuck open, it is causing significant delays and disruptions for early-morning commuters trying to get to work or school.
The details
WSDOT reported on social media that the northbound SR 99 First Avenue Bridge is currently stuck in the open position, preventing vehicles from crossing. Maintenance crews have been dispatched to the site to try and resolve the issue, but the agency says they do not know the cause of the problem or how long it will take to fix.
- The bridge was reported stuck in the open position early Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026.
The players
WSDOT
The Washington Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and operating the First Avenue Bridge.
What they’re saying
“'Maintenance crews are on-site troubleshooting. There is no estimate on when the bridge will reopen to traffic.'”
— WSDOT
What’s next
WSDOT has not provided a timeline for when the bridge is expected to reopen, but they are urging commuters to expect delays and consider alternate routes until the issue is resolved.
The takeaway
The unexpected closure of the First Avenue Bridge is a significant disruption for Seattle's transportation network, highlighting the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure and the need for the city to have robust contingency plans in place to handle such unexpected events.
