Drawbridge at Florence, Oregon Stuck in 'Up' Position

The south end of the Florence, Oregon drawbridge in locked in the "up" position.

Siuslaw Bridge file photo Courtesy: city-data.com

(FLORENCE, Ore.) - U.S. 101 in Florence is closed due to a drawbridge malfunction on the Siuslaw River Bridge, according to Oregon Department of transportation Spokesman Joe Harwood.

"Northbound and southbound traffic is backed up for a few miles on either end of the bridge," Harwood said.

"The bridge operator raised the drawbridge at about 4:40 p.m. Friday to allow a fishing vessel to pass through. When attempts were made to lower the bridge, an electrical fire occurred."

Harwood says this left the south end of the drawbridge in the "up" position.

An ODOT drawbridge repair crew is en route to fix the problems. It is unclear when the highway across the Siuslaw River will reopen.