ASTORIA, OR (KPTV) -
Strong winds caused damage to the Astoria-Megler Bridge on Sunday, causing ODOT crews to close off the bridge for hours.
ODOT officials said winds loosened platform panels that served as a deck for painters.
While there was no damage to the bridge itself, the loose panels made traveling across the bridge unsafe, authorities said.
A crew assessed the bridge Monday morning, and the bridge opened to one lane of alternating traffic at around 11:15 a.m.
All lanes reopened around 1:30 p.m.
During the closure, ODOT recommended drivers needing to reach Washington use the Longview Bridge on Highway 30 at Rainier.
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