The Duwamish River Bridge

Now known as the 1st Avenue South Bridge. The original span on the left opened in 1956. With growth in the area the one on the right opened in 1996. The spans are bascule bridges. Bascule bridges are moveable bridges with a counterweight that balances the span when it opens for boat traffic. The 1st Avenue S. bridge is one of the major routes between downtown Seattle and cities south of downtown and Sea-Tac Airport. Spanning the Duwamish River, the bridge carries thousands of vehicles each day and hundreds of boats pass under the bridge each month, carrying millions of dollars worth of consumer goods.

A fun fact of the original bridge is its technically a floating bridge. A series of chambers make up the bridge piers at either end of the span and there is a long horizontal, encased walkway-like structure under the water and mud of the Duwamish River that connects the bridge piers. Water is pumped in and out of the chambers to help keep the bridge steady and level. When lower areas need to be inspected, water is pumped into the higher chambers so the lower chambers and enclosed walkway are accessible. A person can actually walk from one end of the bridge to the other underwater!

Today I spent the day standing out in the rain at work.. I had to cross this bridge many times today. Needing a photo and... Work is slowing down due to the weather. With my dad surgery tomorrow I wouldn't mind having it off but.. Now home watching the birds dance between the tree branches...