EVERETT – Difficult repairs and wet, cold and windy weather has pushed back the scheduled reopening of the northbound State Route 529 bridge over the Snohomish River. Crews will not be able to reopen the popular route between Everett and Marysville until mid-morning on Tuesday, a day later than previously planned.

Drivers who use the northbound bridge must use I-5 and plan for delays during the evening commute.

“The impact of the SUV did significant structural damage to vertical and diagonal support beams,” said Dave McCormick, assistant regional administrator for maintenance and operations. The diagonal beam has been repaired. The vertical beam repair is underway.

A Saturday morning crash on the bridge that links Everett and Marysville just north of Marine View Drive severely damaged two steel beams that support the bridge deck. Bridge inspectors closed the bridge for safety at 3 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 1. Assessments and repairs plans began at first light.

The structure is a steel truss bridge built in 1927.

On a typical weekday, the bridge carries 15,000 vehicles per day. The connection is a key link between Everett and Marysville. Drivers can expect delays out of Everett on Monday evening.

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.

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