Tolt Hill Bridge Reopens With Vehicle Restrictions

SAMMAMISH, WA - The Tolt Hill Bridge reopened to most traffic on Monday afternoon, ending a month-long closure over possible structural deficiencies. The bridge reopened at 1 p.m. Monday to vehicles weighing less than six tons (fully loaded), plus pedestrians and bicyclists.

The bridge closed on June 16 after a review by King County revealed that the bridge might not be able to hold the weight that it was designed to. The county found the discrepancy when inspectors used new criteria to inspect the bridge on June 14.

After a more extensive review, engineers determined the bridge is safe for lower-weight vehicles.

"Engineers have completed an in-depth analysis of the loads the Tolt Hill Bridge can safely carry. They have determined it is safe to allow traffic on the bridge where each vehicle is six tons or less. For example, a fully loaded pickup truck would be less than six tons. Load restriction signs will be posted on the bridge. Future closures for repairs are likely, but not yet determined," the county wrote in an announcement about the bridge reopening.

Image via King County