Crews monitoring cracks on West Seattle Low Bridge

SEATTLE — SDOT engineers are fast-tracking plans to repair and preserve the West Seattle Low Bridge after cracks were discovered.

With the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge closed and out of commission through at least 2021, the Low Bridge is the only direct link between West Seattle and Downtown.

>> ‘Indefinite shutdown’: Stress cracks endanger West Seattle Bridge

The Low Bridge is currently only open to emergency vehicles, essential freight, buses and bicyclists.

The swing bridge developed small cracks and will need repairs, but SDOT officials said the risks were identified early enough to contain the damage and keep it open to traffic.

Soon SDOT will post signs to obey the new 25 mph speed limit, which will reduce stresses caused by heavy trucks driving over the bridge. This is part of an already planned speed reduction that will eventually be implemented citywide.

Crews will eventually begin maintenance work on the center-lock system and perform other strengthening techniques.

Weight restrictions are also being added for the heaviest trucks, but SDOT said this will only affect about a dozen trips per week and won't affect emergency vehicles or buses.

The city didn’t how much repairs will cost or if the bridge will be closed to traffic during some phases of the work.

Cox Media Group