Crews repairing hole in bridge deck. Image: Montlaker

A hole in the steel grating of the Montlake Bridge has closed the middle two lanes and caused huge traffic backups since it was discovered around 1pm this afternoon. Crews on the scene estimate another 40 minutes of work is needed to repair the damaged grating but can offer no guarantees (as of 7pm). Traffic is detouring through residential streets so be careful out there folks.

And in a cruel display of irony, adding to the parade of brake lights is the holiday parade of boats through the Montlake Cut:

UPDATE 7:35pm: Metro says all lanes are now back open.