Elevator on Everett’s Grand Avenue Bridge vandalized again

Published 9:20 am Monday, July 20, 2026

EVERETT — The elevator on Everett’s Grand Avenue Park bridge was vandalized again last week, the city announced in a social media post, forcing it to be closed.

It is at least the fourth time the elevator has been closed due to damage from vandalism. It was knocked out of service once in 2020 and twice in 2024.

The damage occurred on July 9, city spokesperson Simone Tarver wrote in an email. The city’s best guess is that someone lit a firework in the elevator and it went off when the doors were closed, she wrote.

“This caused significant damage to the elevator’s glass doors as well as the floor and walls inside the elevator,” Tarver wrote. “If it was only damage to the glass, it would be a relatively quick repair because they have the glass on hand. The repairs to the floor and wall damage will take a little longer.”

The city’s initial quote for the damage its facility teams could see was about $38,000, Tarver wrote, though additional assessment will be needed to determine if any other damage occurred. It’s unclear when the elevator will reopen.

Everett is looking into the feasibility of adding security cameras at the elevator, Tarver wrote.

The pedestrian bridge, completed in 2020, connects Grand Avenue Park near 16th Street to the Port of Everett and the city’s waterfront, crossing over a freight railway. It cost $20 million.

Without the elevator, community members with mobility needs can access the city’s waterfront by using the pedestrian overpass on 25th Street to cross onto West Marine View Drive.

Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.