Hood Canal Bridge reopens after closure for high winds

UPDATE, Dec. 31, 11:04 a.m.: The bridge is back open to traffic.

Original story:

The SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge is closed to traffic until further notice because of high winds.

The closure began around 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Washington State Department of Transportation crews are standing by to reopen the bridge as soon as the winds decrease, but winds are forecast to continue into the afternoon.

Drivers can get updates on the status of the bridge at this link.

According to WSDOT, the bridge will generally close to traffic and crews may open its draw spans during storms with wind speeds over 40 mph that are sustained for at least 15 minutes to relieve pressure on the bridge.

The bridge may also be closed at lower wind speeds if the direction of the wind is negatively affecting traffic crossing the bridge.

Powerful tides can also have a role in decisions to close the bridge.

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