Reminder for travelers: Agate Pass Bridge closure starts Monday

Published 2:58 pm Friday, February 6, 2015

Travelers on Highway 305 across Bainbridge Island should get ready for the start of a 21-day, one-lane shutdown across the Agate Pass Bridge. The highway will be closed to one lane across Agate Passage starting at 8:45 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9.

The bridge will be shut down to one lane between 8:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays, and from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, until Saturday, Feb. 28 so the bridge can be cleaned.

Drivers should expect lengthy delays, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The bridge is crossed by 22,000 vehicles every day. State transportation officials said about 9,200 vehicles use Highway 305 during the seven hours between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Officials suggest that drivers should add extra time into their trips, minimize discretionary trips, and avoid the bridge during the one-lane closure period each day.

Staff officials also suggest that commuters should consider adjusting their work schedules during the project.

The Agate Pass Bridge was last extensively cleaned in 1991, when the span was painted.

WSDOT also noted that crews will stop work at 2:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, to accommodate Presidents Day holiday ferry traffic.

Bicycle and pedestrian traffic will be escorted across the bridge during work hours.