West Seattle Bridge Weekly Update
News about the week ahead for the West Seattle Bridge Program.
We continued repair work on the high bridge this week with epoxy injection and concrete surface scanning using ground penetrating radar. To ensure that the small cracks in the concrete are completely filled, we use a pump that injects the cracks with the epoxy at very high pressures. The radar scanning allows us to find the best core-drilling locations needed for post-tensioning components, which we’ll install throughout the bridge.
 We pumped epoxy through the red-tipped ports at high pressures to fill cracks in the concrete.
We’ve also continued installing scaffolding on the west platforms and inside the bridge. The scaffolding allows us to safely access areas of the high bridge for future work.
 Scaffolding inside of the West Seattle Bridge.
Replacing bridge expansion joints is a routine element of bridge maintenance.
 Replacing the bridge’s expansion joints, which provide a flexible buffer between sections of the bridge.
In the coming weeks, we’ll continue epoxy injection work and begin carbon-fiber wrapping on the interior and exterior of the bridge. We will also begin preparing forms for the post-tensioning system and continue core-drilling the interior of the bridge.
On Wednesday, Mayor Bruce Harrell spoke to media and community leaders about the ongoing general strike of concrete drivers and concrete plant workers in the Seattle area, which began in December 2021, and its impacts to construction projects, including the West Seattle Bridge. Construction projects across the region – including 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."
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 reopen 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.
 Mayor Bruce Harrell speaking at a press conference in White Center this week to share concrete strike updates.
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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Continuing 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 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.
 This Sunday, we will be doing some additional vegetation cleanup and landscape work on East Marginal Way S.
vegetation cleanup and landscape work along the sidewalk on East Marginal Way S to make sure the sidewalk is clear for people walking, biking, and rolling in the area. The work location is between S Alaska St and S Hudson St. We anticipate to begin this work as early as 7 AM and will conclude by 4 PM. Traffic impacts may include the closure of the northbound lane next to the sidewalk.
It doesn’t matter where you are headed on Valentine’s Day—work, school, errands, or even out on a date. If you ride the bus in the West Seattle area this Monday, February 14, you may get a heartfelt “Salentine’s Day” card from Sal and the Flip Your Trip team. The team will be out in the morning and afternoon to spread the love - keep an eye out for us!
Have you signed up for Flip Your Trip yet? Don’t miss out. If you live or work in West Seattle, South Park, or Georgetown, join more than 5,000 of your friends and neighbors and get your $25 in free trips (for bus, light rail, water taxi and even e-scooters).
The West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force was formed shortly after the high bridge closure to ensure the many voices and concerns of the community are not only heard, but consistently advocated for. We took care to select members from all over West Seattle and the Duwamish Valley, including neighborhood groups from the Junction to Georgetown to South Park to Highland Park to SODO. The group is also comprised of elected officials, West Seattle businesses, and industrial and maritime businesses and their workers.
The Community Task Force will continue meeting regularly until the high bridge reopens to traffic. You can watch prior and future meetings on this YouTube channel. To learn more about the Community Task Force and its members, visit the Community Task Force webpage.
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.
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