No damage reported to region’s bridges following quake off Vancouver Island

Inspections of key transportation structures such as the Highway 99 Viaduct in Seattle revealed no damage so far following an earthquake Friday afternoon off Vancouver Island, according to the state transportation department.

Inspections of key transportation structures such as the Highway 99 Viaduct in Seattle revealed no damage so far following an earthquake Friday afternoon off Vancouver Island, according to the state transportation department.

Crews with the Washington state Department of Transportation visually inspected the State Route 520 floating bridge over Lake Washington but will do a more in-depth inspection in the coming hours.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct remains open and was inspected visually, with no signs of damage. In addition, seismic sensors installed to trigger automatic gate closures to the structure weren’t activated.

The Vancouver quake was measured at 6.4; the Viaduct sensors require an earthquake larger than 5.0 in the immediate vicinity before triggering gate closures.

Moveable bridges in the Seattle area, including the Montlake and First Avenue South bridges, also have been inspected, with no damage reported.

Due to the location of the quake, transportation department crews also were sent to Skagit and Whatcom counties, including the Deception and Canoe Pass bridges. No damage has been reported there.