West Seattle Bridge Program Weekly Update: Friday, June 24, 2022

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West Seattle Bridge Weekly Update  

News about the week ahead for the West Seattle Bridge Program.     


Watch our Repair Methods video on post-tensioning

A screenshot from the Repair Methods video on post-tensioning.

Learn more about the post-tensioning process by watching our new repair methods video. In this video, we highlight the complex and highly technical process of strengthening the West Seattle Bridge by compressing the structure’s concrete with a new post-tensioning system. This new system, in combination with the epoxy crack filling and carbon-fiber wrapping work, make it possible to extend the bridge’s lifespan for decades to come.


High bridge repair: More progress on post-tensioning preparation and maintenance work

Schedule graphic Friday, June 24, 2022

We continued installing protective ducts for the new post-tensioning system inside the bridge this week. To prevent the new cables from rusting, we are encasing the entire post-tensioning system, which is nearly eight times the length of the bridge structure, in these protective ducts. In the coming weeks, we will begin installing the new cables by pushing them through the ducts. Once the cables are in place, we can begin to tighten them, which will strengthen the bridge by compressing the concrete within the structure.  

The temporary rigging lines will support the ducts that protect the post-tensioning cables.

The temporary rigging lines will support the ducts that protect the post-tensioning cables. Once we thread the cables through the ducts and tighten them, the tension will straighten the ducts so that we no longer need the rigging lines to support them.

We also completed more maintenance work on and near the bridge this week. This included pouring more concrete foundations for replacement sign structures, demolishing concrete panels on the western approach to the bridge structure to prepare for new panels, and preparing the Fauntleroy Expressway for new concrete overlay that we will begin pouring in the coming weeks.

Newly poured sign structure foundation.

This newly poured sign structure foundation shown above, still encased in its wooden form, will replace the old foundation, seen here on either side of the wooden form. By completing maintenance work like this now, we are limiting potential closures or disruptions to traffic for maintenance work in the future.

We will continue to work on major maintenance in tandem with post-tensioning work so that the bridge is ready for traffic once final repairs are complete.


Low bridge rehabilitation: raising work platforms this weekend

Starting tonight and continuing into Saturday, we are lifting the work platforms to the underside of the low bridge’s eastern span. We do not expect impacts to vehicle or pedestrian traffic during this work. This effort begins our low bridge rehabilitation work that will proactively strengthen the low bridge to keep it strong for years to come.

Since the closure of the high bridge in 2020, the low bridge has experienced higher than normal demand. We will begin epoxy crack injection and carbon-fiber wrapping to reinforce the concrete on the low bridge in the coming months. This is the same concrete strengthening method we’ve been using on the high bridge.

We’ll hoist work platforms on the bridge’s western span in a few weeks so that crews can easily access the underside of the bridge’s girder.


Construction in West Seattle this weekend

On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll finish building curb ramps at the Dumar Way SW and SW Orchard St intersection. This work will include pouring concrete and paving the road in front of the curb ramp. We expect to begin as early as 8 AM and conclude by 5 PM. We do not anticipate any major traffic impacts, however people driving can expect delays in the area. 

On Sunday, we’re pouring concrete to repair the lane divider on SW Spokane St in the vicinity of 11th Ave SW near Harbor Island. We anticipate this work to begin as early as 8 AM and conclude by 4 PM. Traffic impacts include a closure of the East Marginal Way S and the lower SW Spokane St ramps. There will be a detour in place for those traveling in the area. Please anticipate travel delays. Please know this work is weather-dependent. If there’s a change in schedule, we’ll include an update in next week’s email. 

One Sunday, we'll also be building curb ramps at 16th Ave SW and SW Elmgrove St in the Highland Park neighborhood. We'll start work as early as 8 AM and expect to be completed by 5 PM. People driving in this area should expect minor delays.


Puget Sound Energy work: Upcoming travel impacts on SW Roxbury St

Plan ahead for impacts on SW Roxbury St between 14th Ave SW and 15th Ave SW as Puget Sound Energy (PSE) completes maintenance work. Work will take place on Monday June 27, Tuesday June 28, and Thursday June 30.

  • Westbound travel on SW Roxbury St: The right lane and sidewalk will be closed from 7AM to 2PM. Additionally, the bus stop will be temporarily relocated 250 feet to the east.
  • Eastbound travel on SW Roxbury St: The right lane will be closed from 9 AM to 3 PM. The sidewalk will be open.

Question of the week: What are the final repairs to the West Seattle Bridge?

Final repairs to the bridge include three key repair procedures: epoxy injections to fill cracks, carbon-fiber wrapping to add strength, and post-tensioning with steel cables to compress the concrete. Together, these methods will rehabilitate the entire structure, prevent future cracking, and help keep the bridge safe for decades to come.

Construction crews poured structural concrete inside the West Seattle Bridge to create large anchors blocks for a new post-tensioning system.

Construction crews poured structural concrete inside the West Seattle Bridge to create large anchors blocks for a new post-tensioning system, which will compress the bridge, making it stronger and ready for traffic once again. Photo: SDOT

To prepare the bridge for reopening to traffic we will also be replacing expansion joints, restoring the road by closing crew access holes, replacing overhead signs, replacing concrete panels east of 35th Ave SW, installing a concrete overlay on the Fauntleroy Expressway, and removing detours and adjusting traffic signals in West Seattle.

Read more on the SDOT Blog about the remaining steps to reopen the West Seattle Bridge.


Other news to know

  • Seattle Transportation Plan: Help reimagine how we move around the city. The Seattle Transportation Plan is our commitment to building a safe, efficient, and affordable transportation system. On the Seattle Transportation Plan Online Engagement Hub, you can take a new survey, come to an upcoming event, and tell us where you see places for change.
  • Flip Your Trip offers support and free rides to those who live or work in West Seattle. Sign up today at FlipYourTrip.org to receive a special welcome bonus worth $25 in FREE trips you can use on transit, water taxi, and bike/scooter-share (using the Transit GO Ticket app)—as well as the first month free on Metro vanpools, personalized trip planning, informational events, and more.       
  • How does West Seattle shop? Take this University of Washington survey and you may win $50. The University of Washington's Supply Chain Transportation & Logistics Center invites you to take part in a 5-minute survey. Their goal is to understand how people shop, travel to stores, and make online purchases, and how shopping patterns relate to transportation systems. All responses are confidential.

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