Commuters regularly traversing the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge should brace for significant traffic disruptions on Tuesday, July 15. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced that it will conduct critical repairs to reduce the bridge to a single lane, allowing one-way alternating traffic. The lane closure will be effective from 8 AM to 4 PM as crews work to replace a hefty 6,000-pound hydraulic cylinder, vital for the bridge's operations.
The necessary replacement, a component on the bridge's west span, will demand a large crane to facilitate the removal and installation of the new hydraulic cylinder. WSDOT encourages area travelers, during this period, to factor in additional travel time and to consider postponing non-essential trips. They also advise planning for travel before or after the scheduled work hours and to avoid impeding driveways on SR 3 and SR 104 in Kitsap and Jefferson counties, according to the announcement from WSDOT.
Short-duration draw span closures are anticipated following the repair day, on Wednesday, July 16. These are expected to last no more than 30 minutes each, allowing the bridge crew to flush the newly installed hydraulic system properly. This maintenance is mandated after a recent inspection revealed that one of the bridge's 12 hydraulic rams showed signs of saltwater corrosion, resulting in a leak that could potentiate lift failure and subsequent bridge damage if left unattended.
The affected hydraulic ram, also called a 'ram,' is crucial for lifting and lowering the driving surface when marine traffic requires the bridge to open. The existing restrictions on the bridge, capping openings to 300 feet for boat traffic, are a temporary measure to mitigate risks pending the replacement. The bridge natively supports up to 600-foot openings, essential for certain commercial, military, and environmental reasons, like storm season pressure relief, as indicated by WSDOT.
