The Hood Canal Bridge will be closed in 15-minute to one-hour intervals in mid-April so state bridge preservation crews can do an in-depth inspection of the bridge.

The inspections require the opening of the draw span of the bridge multiple times each day, according to state transportation officials.

The closures start Monday, April 10.

Shutdowns will happen intermittently between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 10 through Friday, April 14.

The closures are again planned for the following week, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21.

During the shutdowns, the span will be closed to all traffic.

Transportation officials said crews will try to minimize disruptions to travelers and keep the closures as short as possible. 

Crews will also combine inspection-related openings with marine openings when possible.

State officials said the Hood Canal Bridge will undergo a required blue-ribbon inspection that includes an overall assessment of the bridge’s mechanical and electrical systems. 

All of Washington's floating bridges undergo similar inspections officials said.

The inspections must be done during daylight hours so workers can see inside tight spaces and get detailed observations on bridge components and operations.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is advising travelers who use the Highway 104 span across the Hood Can to plan for additional travel time during the two-week closure schedule.