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The Hawthorne Bridge is closed, with with the center span apparently stuck out of position.

(Kristi Turnquist/The Oregonian)

The Hawthorne Bridge is closed to all traffic, after a lift span malfunction that happened Sunday morning at about 10:40 a.m. The lift span is stuck in a position about two feet higher than the adjoining spans, and is unable to close.

According to information provided by Multnomah County, maintenance crews are working to resolve the issue, and find out why the bridge lift span malfunctioned. The bridge is expected to remain closed until sometime Sunday afternoon.

Police are blocking access to the Hawthorne Bridge. Nearby alternate routes across the Willamette River include the Morrison and Ross Island bridges.

-- Kristi Turnquist