$50K motor failure is to blame for Tacoma bridge closure. Repair timeline is uncertain

This time, it’s a motor. That’s what caused the Hylebos Bridge to close this week, according to the City of Tacoma.

A failed drive motor has put the drawbridge out of commission. It’s currently in the up position to allow vessel traffic to use the waterway but that means no motor-vehicle traffic can cross it.

The estimated cost to replace the motor is $50,000, the city said.

First, it needs to procure one. How long that will take depends on whether the city can find one on the shelf or has to order one from the manufacturer. It’s going to contact vendors Monday.

“The duration of the closure will depend on the availability of the replacement motor,” the city said in a statement on Friday. It estimates replacement of the motor and reopening of the bridge will take between one and four weeks.