Jan. 8, 2026 — Seattle — A pedestrian bridge over SR 520 near the Montlake Lid was struck by an over-height truck on Dec. 18, 2025, prompting emergency repairs by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews.
WSDOT captured the first wildlife crossing of 2026 on the newly repaired bridge via wildlife cameras, as shared in a TikTok video posted hours ago. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with over-height vehicles damaging infrastructure in the Seattle area.
The strike occurred in the Montlake neighborhood, part of the broader SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program. Similar incidents have affected nearby structures, such as the SR 167 overpass struck on Oct. 23, 2025, which was fully repaired by December 2025.
Screenshot from WSDOT TikTok showing wildlife on the bridge (Jan. 8, 2026).
WSDOT has referenced the Dec. 18 strike in multiple social media updates, noting crews’ response to assess and repair the damage. The bridge, designed to facilitate wildlife movement amid urban development, was quickly restored to ensure safety and functionality.
“18 following a strike from an over-height truck. Our crews and…”
This quote appears in several WSDOT posts, indicating swift action post-incident.
The event underscores persistent issues with oversized loads on Washington highways, as seen in recent cases like the I-90 Bullfrog Road overpass strike on Oct. 21, 2025, which required demolition and extended closures.
