[8] In 2014, its electronic controls were replaced after several components had worn out and caused multi-hour delays to lift and lower the bridge.

[9] During especially hot summer days, the University Bridge needs daily dousings with cool water to avoid expanding so much that they bind.

With the bridge closed, surface traffic between Seattle's University District and Downtown areas was heavily impacted.

It was reopened on May 3, 2007, after city workers poured about 40 cubic yards of stabilizing concrete-sand slurry around the southern base of the bridge.

The protests were part of a national Day of Action against cuts to infrastructure, health care, and education spending.