Windstorm Rocks Washington SR 520 Floating Bridge

[andy3175]

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/02/21289798-windstorm-in-seattle-rocks-floating-bridge-hurts-two-knocks-out-power-to-135000?lite

The Washington State Department of Transportation closed the State Route 520 floating bridge across Lake Washington for two hours because of high winds and large waves. Troopers said as many as 50 cars were abandoned on the westbound lanes of the bridge. Troopers on foot escorted the people back to their vehicles.

http://www.king5.com/news/local/RAW-VIDEO-Winds-batter-SR-520-floating-bridge-230348181.html

And while the State Patrol says they normally discourage people from abandoning their cars, on Saturday it might have been the safest option. They say the bridge was moving four to five feet. The Department of Transportation said criteria for closing the bridge to traffic and opening the draw span is 50 mph gusts sustained for 15 minutes.  When a 40 mph gust is sustained for one minute, a warning alarm calls crews to the bridge for inspection and monitoring. ... The last time the 520 bridge was closed for wind and waves was Dec. 14, 2006. I-90 remained open on Saturday. Although it had waves crashing over it, it is a much bigger structure. The last time it was closed was the Inauguration Day storm of 1993.

Regards,
Andy

[jakeroot]

One more storm and that bridge is history. Well it's already history being rebuilt and all. I guess they should hurry up.

[I94RoadRunner]

One more storm and that bridge is history. Well it's already history being rebuilt and all. I guess they should hurry up.

We sure don't want to see a repeat of the 1990's sinking of the old Lacey V Murrow I-90 bridge!