EVERETT — Traffic is again moving over the northbound lanes of the State Route 529 Snohomish River bridge days after a collision caused major structural damage. Safety concerns prompted bridge inspectors from the Washington State Department of Transportation to close the span at 3 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, until repairs could be made. Crews worked around the clock through rough weather to design and fabricate replacement parts for the 85-year-old bridge.

“This is a perfect example of how quickly we can respond to an emergency situation and restore a vital transportation route to drivers and first responders,” said Dave McCormick, assistant regional administrator for maintenance and operations.

Drivers will still see some daytime, single-lane closures this week, while crews finish working on barriers and curbs, but they should not create a significant impact to traffic.

Repairs to the bridge are estimated to be as much as $50,000. WSDOT will pursue reimbursement from the vehicle owner.

On a typical weekday, the bridge carries 15,000 vehicles and serves as a key link between Everett and Marysville.