News Release

Greg Nickels, Mayor

Grace Crunican, Director

Contact: Rick Sheridan, 206.396.3053

July 29, 2009
For Immediate Release

University Bridge to Remain in Closed Position Overnight

No impacts for motor vehicle traffic

SEATTLE — With extreme temperatures causing an expansion of its steel and concrete components,
the University Bridge will remain in the closed position to prevent damage from an opening. While the
bridge is available for motor vehicle traffic, it will not be opened for marine traffic through the night.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will leave the bridge in a closed position overnight to
prevent any structural damage and adverse impacts to emergency response. After the bridge contracts
overnight in cooler temperatures, SDOT structural engineers will inspect it at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday
morning to reevaluate its condition and determine if normal operations can resume.

All other movable bridges in the city inventory have been inspected and remain in an operable
condition. SDOT engineers will continue to closely monitor these structures and other components of
the city’s transportation infrastructure throughout the course of the heat wave.

The United States Coast Guard has been notified about the bridge’s condition and its impact on marine
traffic.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion
transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department
manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect
the city with the region.
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Tel: (206) 684-ROAD (684-7623), Internet Address: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation
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