'Don't go low': Photo enforcement on the West Seattle Low Bridge begins Jan. 11

Seattle drivers should be ready to drive carefully and follow the rules as the city will activate new enforcement cameras on the West Seattle Low Bridge (Spokane St. Bridge) starting Jan. 11, 2021.

Amid the nine month closure of the high-rise bridge, the city is telling residents "don't go low" to keep the lower swing bridge clear for emergency vehicles and transit traveling to the peninsula.

To enforce those rules, the City Council approved legislation in September to install cameras to catch drivers sneaking onto the bridge during unauthorized hours.

According to Seattle Department of Transportation's (SDOT) Low Bridge Access Policy, the only vehicles authorized to use the Low Bridge from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. are emergency vehicles, transit, employer shuttles, vanpools, freight and other pre-authorized vehicles.

People walking or biking on the bridge can use it at any time.

Taxis, rideshare vehicles and other personal vehicles cannot use the low bridge during those restricted hours and risk a $75 citation if caught by the cameras. All vehicles can use the bridge overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and no citations will be issued during those hours.

Alternate routes for drivers include the 1st Ave S Bridge — which will also undergo repairs in January due to wear on bearings — or South Park Bridge.

SDOT said that it is currently working to mitigate traffic caused by the high bridge closure and detours.

"We are doing what we can to help people who continue to drive cars and freight trucks, and ride bikes, by updating the markings on the road, adjusting signal timing, and improving road signs," wrote SDOT in a blog post. "We are working with nearby communities to prioritize projects that will reduce the impact of increased detour traffic; prioritizing transit connections to and from West Seattle; building new bicycle projects; and establishing and improving detour routes."