Agate Pass Bridge reopens a day early

Traffic across Bainbridge Island will now get back to normal.

The Washington State Department of Transportation announced Thursday that bridge crews have completed their annual inspection and cleaning of the Agate Pass Bridge.

The bridge, which links Bainbridge Island to the Kitsap Peninsula via Highway 305, is now back at its full two-lane capacity.

The work — which required daytime lane restrictions on the span during seven weekdays — was completed a full day ahead of schedule.

WSDOT thanked drivers who heeded requests to reduce or eliminate discretionary trips, or travel across the bridge during hours other than those needed for the cleaning and inspection work.

Officials said the annual cleaning and inspection work is critical to extending the life of the bridge by reducing corrosion.

Work crews will return for similar work in February 2018.