Seattle-area concrete strike; impacts to West Seattle Bridge
Earlier today, Mayor Bruce Harrell spoke to media and community leaders about the ongoing general strike of concrete drivers and concrete plan workers in the Seattle area that began in December 2021 and its impacts to construction projects, including the West Seattle Bridge. Construction projects across the region – include projects for the City of Seattle, Sound Transit, and private developments – have paused some work until the strike is resolved.
"The concrete strike has the potential to delay almost every active construction project in the City and region right now – including final repairs of the West Seattle Bridge. While the bridge is not affected by the strike yet, we are preparing for whatever comes and will be transparent with the public. Currently, we are working in partnership with the bridge contractor on contingency plans to help minimize project completion delays. We hope and encourage both parties to continue meeting and find a workable resolution."
- Bruce Harrell, Mayor, City of Seattle
The West Seattle Bridge program requires specialized concrete that is essential to forming the blocks and structures inside the high bridge that are integral to the post-tensioning system that will provide added strength before we re-open the bridge. Concrete is also needed for overlay, expansion joints, and sign bridge bases.
If concrete is not available by Feb. 20, there will be a schedule delay to the repairs for the West Seattle Bridge, absent other interventions. The length of the delay will depend on the length of the strike; the longer the delay, the later the bridge would reopen to traffic.
 Bruce Harrell, Mayor, City of Seattle, speaking earlier today.
We are working closely with our construction contractor to modify the project schedule and have made or could make the following changes:
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Forming all concrete elements at once to increase the size of the pour and reduce the number of pours needed.
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Prioritizing phases of the repair that don't require concrete (such as epoxy injections and carbon fiber wrapping)
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Accelerating Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge) rehabilitation efforts because they don’t require concrete
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We will continue to work with our contractor to revise contingency plans depending on the length of the strike. We want to be prepared for whatever comes and remain transparent with about what's happening and what to expect.
We understand the strike is a challenge for all involved – including residents and stakeholders in the West Seattle and Lower Duwamish communities – and we support a fair resolution among the parties.
We will continue to provide additional updates as information becomes available.
On Saturday and Sunday, we will repave two blocks of SW 106th St between Seola Beach Drive and 32nd Ave SW. We’ll begin this work as early as 7 AM and expect to be done by 3 PM. If you are driving on SW 106th St during this work be prepared for single lane reductions. Please anticipate traffic delays. We do not expect impacts for people walking and biking in the area.
If you or someone you know wants to talk with us, give feedback, or could benefit from having this information read to them in another language, please call (206) 400-7511.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WASEATTLE/bulletins/309e437
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