The King County Road Services Division will close the South Park Bridge over the Duwamish River on 14^th/16^th Avenue South this Sunday, Aug. 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for repairs. The bridge will be closed to both vehicle traffic over the river and large marine vessels on the water.

Recently, the bridge has been difficult to operate due to long-term movement of the drawbridge piers. During the closure, crews will be working to realign the two sides of the drawbridge for smoother opening and closing. Motorists can detour via the First Avenue South Bridge.

Studies of the South Park Bridge show that the condition of the 74-year-old span is severely deteriorated and was made worse during the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake. King County is proceeding with an EIS process that will allow a decision to be made regarding the future of the bridge. The crossing is used by approximately 20,000 vehicles a day, and has a moveable span that opens to accommodate large marine vessels on the river.