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South Park Bridge Closes, Response Plan Drafted

The South Park Bridge opened up for the last time around 8:oo p.m. on June 30, 2010, and in honor of its 80 year lifespan, residents held a wake.  There were bagpipes, a New Orleans style band, a group of dancers dressed in red devil masks and thousands of people surrounding and lining either side of the bridge.  Mayor McGinn, City Councilmembers and City of Seattle staff members joined in the celebration.

According to King 5 News, 20,000 vehicles crossed the bridge daily and the very next morning major backups were already being caused as a result of the closure. South Park business owners are worred about what the closure will mean for them.  

The City of Seattle has released a draft of the South Park Closure Response Plan, which addresses problems surrounding the closure and brainstorms ideas on how to sustain the community.  City departments identified a range of potential projects and responses, which include, but are not limited to:

  • Business Assistance
  • Environmental Improvement
  • Transportation
  • Public Safety
  • Community Engagement and Youth Opportunities

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is actively participating in this plan.  A copy of the draft can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/southpark/docs/soparkplan-english.pdf