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The current West Seattle Bridge was built between 1981 and 1984. This "high" bridge was built after a freighter rammed into the previous drawbridge in 1978. The city was considering building another bridge up until that point, and the accident forced the decision to be made.

There is also a "low" West Seattle Bridge which is a swinging-style drawbridge. Instead of the bridge decks rising to allow ships to pass, the bridge deck swings away on one of its edges.

Both bridges are accessable from Highway 99 South, and warning lights are available in a few places to let drivers know when the lower bridge is opened.


External links[]

HistoryLink.org: Freighter Chavez Rams West Seattle Bridge

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