Waterfront Park Pedestrian Bridge has been closed due to “significant rot damage” to one of the 11-inch piles that support the bridge.

City Manager Doug Schulze reported the closure in his weekly manager’s report Friday. He said the bridge is unsafe for public use, and the bridge and pathway from Olympic Drive has been closed until repairs can be made.

The rotting pile was discovered by KPFF Engineering, which was hired by the city to access the bridge.

The bridge also supports water and sewer lines.

City officials said the damaged pole is rotting from the inside out, which may be a sign of insect damage.

Schulze noted the rotting pile has only about a half-inch of solid wood around its outside edge.

He also said city staff will work to get the bridge open as quickly as possible.