Update: Ballard Bridge now lowered

Update: The bridge has been lowered, but traffic is still backed up and drivers should plan for extra travel time.

Original: The Ballard Bridge is stuck in the upright position, causing big delays in crossing the Ship Canal. Problems reportedly arose when a mechanical issue kept the operator from being able to close the bridge. Seattle Dept. of Transportation spokesman Richard Sheridan told the Seattle PI that crews are troubleshooting to get the bridge operable again, but that drivers should reroute and use the Fremont Bridge as they don’t know how long it will take to fix.

The PI reports that Seattle police are assisting in backing traffic off the bridge approaches and rerouting traffic around the area. Metro routes 29 and the D-Line are also being rerouted.

Amy Janas sent us this photo, saying she and her kids are, “making the most at the 35 minute mark.”