EVERETT — As expected, the evening commute between Everett and Marysville was much heavier than usual. By 3 p.m., backups stretched from US 2 into Everett, an estimated six miles.

A collision Saturday morning did significant structural damage to the State Route 529 bridge over the Snohomish River. Bridge engineers and WSDOT maintenance crews have worked around the clock to make the repairs. Crews made good progress Monday and expect the bridge to reopen to traffic by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 4.

“At this point, only high winds could derail our planned opening at noon,” said Dave McCormick, assistant regional administrator for maintenance and operations. “We can’t use the manlift or the crane in weather like that.”

On a typical weekday, the bridge carries 15,000 vehicles per day. The connection is a key link between Everett and Marysville. The southbound lanes which are on a second, unconnected bridge remain open to traffic.

Repairs are estimated to be $30,000 and WSDOT’s Risk Management group will pursue reimbursement through the vehicle owner’s insurance company.