WSDOT engineers and State Patrol closed the State Route 169 Kummer Bridge over the Green River near Black Diamond at 3:19 p.m. Wednesday after geotechnical experts detected small movements in the soil holding up the bridge.

“The inclinometer sent a reading that showed soil movement 40 feet below the bridge. We chose to close the bridge to all traffic and ordered our crews out of the area as a safety precaution,” said Messay Shiferaw, WSDOT engineer.

The bridge might be closed until Friday.

Bridge and soil experts have been dispatched to the area to assess the situation. They might not be able to make an accurate assessment until Thursday morning.

WSP troopers and WSDOT maintenance workers are at both ends of the bridge directing traffic to the short detour route.

Passenger detour route:

• Northbound drivers should take 400th Street to 212th Avenue SE to 218th Avenue SE to Black Diamond Road.

• Southbound drivers should use the same detour in reverse.

Driver information

• Drivers heading into the area should plan for delays on the detour route.

• Drivers should call 511 for the latest roadway information.

Work on the bridge

WSDOT has equipment and contractor crews in the area working on a slope stabilization project. The work has been under way for several weeks. For more information on the repair work, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR169/GreenRiverRepair/default.htm

Other closures

For information on other closures statewide, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/Update/countynavigation.htm