Both northbound and southbound lanes of the Sammamish River Bridge (68th Avenue Northeast) in Kenmore have been closed between Northeast 175th Street and Northeast 170th Street until further notice.
Traffic is now being detoured to 96th Avenue Northeast in Bothell. Commuters in this area are asked to find alternate routes until further notice.
According to a city of Kenmore press release, at about 7 p.m. on Dec. 17, a sinkhole developed south of the bridge as a result of construction boring. Northshore Utility District (NUD) contractors were installing a casing to relocate the sewer line, in anticipation of bridge replacement work beginning next year.
Bicyclists and pedestrians can still access the road on the northbound side.
There were no injuries and there are no public safety issues from gas or sewer line issues. Crews are onsite making repairs and have closed the road, the release states.
The northbound lanes have also been closed to vehicles out of an abundance of caution until the road’s safety status can be determined, according to the release.
NUD is working closely with the city of Kenmore to manage traffic and provide updates.
“We are making every effort to reopen the road as soon as safely possible,” the release states. “We will continue to provide updated information as the situation develops.”
In addition, as a result of the bridge closure, the Northshore School District (NSD) has advised drivers find alternate routes until further notice and to allow for extra travel time for delays.
Inglemoor High School buses should pick up on time, a NSD release states. However, the traffic delays will likely cause delays for middle and elementary bus pick ups. All bus riders should be at their bus stops on time.
Due to anticipated afternoon traffic detours and delays, buses may be late picking up students from school and arriving home Tuesday, according to the district release.
“We thank parents and staff in advance for their patience today,” the NSD release states.
Follow the city of Kenmore on Twitter at @KenmoreWA for the most current updates on the road closure.
