The Hood Canal Bridge will be closed for four weekends this summer and fall, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The closures are needed so crews can upgrade and …
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The Hood Canal Bridge will be closed for four weekends this summer and fall, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The closures are needed so crews can upgrade and replace key elements of the span’s center lock system.
The $1.28 million project will bolster the bridge’s system that keeps both halves of the span connected.
The closures have not yet been scheduled, but are expected to extend from 11 p.m. Friday through 4 a.m. Monday each time the bridge is closed.
The four total shutdown periods for the bridge have local officials worried about the impact to Jefferson County residents as well as tourism to the Olympic Peninsula during the busy summer tourist season.
County Commissioner Greg Brotherton noted during Monday’s board of commissioners meeting that the shutdowns would coincide with a summer season that will also see reduced service on the Port Townsend-Coupeville ferry route.
Just one boat is scheduled to operate between Whidbey Island and Port Townsend this summer.
Brotherton said US Highway 101 was a poor detour route for those trying to travel to the Olympic Peninsula.
Officials said marine traffic will not be affected during the bridge closures.
