This week, we marked 2 years since the West Seattle Bridge closed to traffic. Since then, the top priority for the City of Seattle and those of us at the Seattle Department of Transportation is to safely and efficiently repair the bridge and reopen it to traffic.  

We completed emergency stabilization of the high bridge in 2020. In 2021, we completed a design for the repairs and partnered with a contractor to begin delivering that work. Construction is underway, and every day we are closer to reopening.  

As we continue repairs, our ongoing commitment is to keep you informed. We do this with these weekly email updates, monthly videos, and frequent blog posts. You’re always welcome to visit our program website or email us directly.   

While the local concrete strike continues, developments in recent weeks have allowed our West Seattle Bridge repair contractor, Kraemer North America, to pursue concrete from Cadman, one of the concrete suppliers that will accept union drivers.  

At this stage in the concrete pursuit, Kraemer is reviewing concrete mix designs submitted by Cadman, and having the designs quality tested. The testing and review process is essential for ensuring that the concrete meets the quality specifications needed for the repair. 

While we continued work this week on epoxy crack injection, carbon-fiber wrapping, and preparing for post-tensioning, we’ve also been working on West Seattle Bridge maintenance projects. We have a series of maintenance projects including repairing pavement, clearing overgrown vegetation, and updating overhead signs to ensure the bridge is ready for the West Seattle community once all repairs are complete.  

One maintenance project is replacing the bridge’s expansion joints. Expansion joints allow segments of the bridge to expand and contract with changes in temperature. Over the past weeks, we have removed old joints and installed components for new ones. Once concrete is available, we will finish installing the new joints. 

We’ve also been working on the bridge’s western approach near the Fauntleroy Expressway and 35th Ave SW to prepare the road for traffic. This work includes cleaning and sealing pavement joints and removing old painted markings in preparation for new markings. We’re also planning to replace many concrete panels on the bridge’s western approach when concrete becomes available.  

In the coming weeks, we’ll begin work on new overhead sign structures that will be installed along the West Seattle Bridge corridor. These structures will hold the directional signage used by people driving in the area.

In recent days during the ongoing concrete strike, some of our projects have started receiving concrete. However, the concrete delivered to our other projects is not the same kind of concrete as is needed for the West Seattle Bridge.  

The West Seattle Bridge program requires specialized concrete capable of holding more than 20 million pounds of force and must sustain its strength for decades for the bridge to remain standing. The kind of concrete which is needed for a street or sidewalk is different and does not need to hold up to the same kinds of force. 

Are you passionate about transportation issues facing Seattle? Do you want to help shape the future of transportation in the city?  

Apply to serve on an SDOT Advisory Board through the City Clerk’s website. You can apply to multiple boards at the same time. Applications for volunteer positions are now being accepted until Sunday, April 10, at 11:59 p.m.  

We have openings for volunteer community members for the following advisory boards and committees:   

• Move Seattle Levy Oversight Committee  
• School Traffic Safety Committee  
• Seattle Freight Advisory Board  
• Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board  
• Transit Advisory Board  

For more information, please visit this SDOT blog post.