The University Bridge

University Bridge is one those architectural items that you use but don’t exactly notice. It’s one of three drawbridges (& of 4 «bascule» bridges) in Seattle and it connects U-​District to Capitol Hill, Eastlake, and vice-​versa. The traffic can be bad at certain times but it’s primal better than I-​5. What I like is that there are bicycle lanes on the left and right.
It was built in 1919, then restored and dedicated in 1933. Usually when I think of bridges in the Northwest, I picture Portland (picture the closing sequence of the Portlandia intro), but we hold our own here too. There’s a park beneath the bridge that gives a good view of it, though it’s really a bridge for function. My wife works at Fred Hurch and takes it to the center. We take a bus route downtown on it. It’s a perfect connector to Capitol Hill too.
I don’t love how this bridge looks. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not some sort of ugly monstrosity, it’s just not that special. I’m mentally comparing it to the Montlake bridge just a bit further down, which you can walk underneath & feels more a part of the fabric of its surroundings. That’s my initial judgement, however, and it’s possible it will change.

This thing is a nightmare. Often I’ll take the 5 and double back just to avoid it.
Did you know that those wangs with their sailboats could just use their marine radios to have them put up the bridge? Did you know that the bridge is supposed to be closed at 2am when they’re airhorning it up like dicks?
It’s amazing what you can learn on the internet. Perhaps people who own sailboats could learn something as well.

I-​5 is crowded, you say (which, let’s be real, is every rush hour)? There is a marginally less crowded option that can take me to Cap Hill/​UDistrict, you say? Come at me, University Bridge!

Ya gotta go 5!
I love the U Bridge.
I use it often to wander up to Cap Hill.
It opens and holds up traffic sporadically on boaters’ whims and needs. The view is disenhanced because of the mega new buildings from the UW, but we still see water below and across to Cap Hill.
There was a day when we knew we were on the way to the Red Robin, days of long ago past lunches of fish and chips. Now its on to the Flower Lady and up the hill!
Another Seattle view thril!