Spokane Street Bridge

The Spokane Street Bridge connects Harbor Island to West Seattle across the Duwamish River and features two concrete swing-span sections working as a pair. The structure operates through a rotation system powered by hydraulic oil-filled steel barrels that support and move the spans.

The original structure built in 1924 was replaced in 1991 after a 1978 collision with a freighter demonstrated the need for stronger construction. Federal funding made the new bridge possible following the incident.

The bridge takes its name from Spokane Street, which honors the Spokane tribe who lived in the Washington region before European settlement arrived. This naming reflects the indigenous roots of the area where the bridge stands today.

The bridge opens regularly to allow ships to pass through, so vehicle and pedestrian traffic experiences occasional delays. Crossing is easiest during periods with lighter maritime activity.

Unlike typical swing bridges that rotate 90 degrees, this structure rotates only 45 degrees when opened for ships. This unusual design allows traffic to keep moving while still giving vessels enough clearance to pass.