October 2020

SDOT updates stabilization work on West Seattle Bridge

information from Seattle Department of Transportation

This past week, we reached a significant milestone by starting to stress the installed post-tensioning system. This coming week, the contractor is planning to:

  • Release the restrained bearing at Pier 18
  • Begin constructing a new bearing for Pier 18
  • Perform the final 100% stressing of the post-tensioning system
  • Begin the final phase of carbon fiber exterior girder strengthening

Kraemer North America, our contractor for the stabilization work, is working Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 4:30 PM every week to stabilize the bridge. 

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Pat's View: Let's repair the bridge then build the tunnel

Dear Mayor Durkan,

As Bob Ortblad has proposed, an Immersed Tube Tunnel, in the final analysis makes the most sense.

Every other solution falls short in significant ways. 

As Bob says, "An Immersed Tube Tunnel (ITT) is the fastest (3-4 years), least expensive, longest life(120-150 years), most environmentally sensitive, earthquake resistant, and only light rail accommodating solution to reconnect West Seattle.”

As you stated in the most recent CTF meeting, you have to think long term. Completely sensible. And as many members indicated you have to think “short term” too. The economic impact on West Seattle (and points West) is immense. The obvious uncertainty of a so called “rapid replacement” in terms of not just permitting but actually executing such a plan rapidly is troubling. 

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Copper Pines, Habitat for Humanity’s new eco-friendly project in Ballard, breaks ground 

information from Habitat for Humanity

Dan Strauss, Seattle Councilmember (District 6) and Reuven Carlyle, Washington State Senator (36th Legislative District) joined Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County on October 29 to celebrate the groundbreaking of a brand-new eco-friendly Habitat neighborhood – Copper Pines - in the Loyal Heights area of North Seattle. The event was a scaled-down version of Habitat’s typical project groundbreakings, in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

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UPDATE: West Seattle Water Taxi will return to service Monday morning

information from King County

UPDATE Friday

We are pleased to report that the West Seattle Water Taxi will be back in service Monday morning, Nov. 2. The contractors have reinstalled the dock-to-shore ramp at Seacrest Dock that was removed for repairs, resulting in cancellation of West Seattle service Thursday and Friday.

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Women's personal safety training being offered by SPD Nov. 12

In collaboration with the Seattle Parks Department, the Seattle Police Department is offering a virtual Women's Personal Safety Class on Thursday November 12th at 3pm.

Learn proactive tips and steps you can take to enhance your personal safety taught by female Seattle police officers and female employees.

 

Our class goals:

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Design Review meeting set for 115 unit apartment bldg. on Harbor Ave SW set for Nov. 19

A virtual meeting is set for Nov. 19 on a proposed 115 unit apartment building to be located at 3417 Harbor Ave SW. Parking for 68 vehicles is proposed. The project is being called the Harbor Avenue Apartments.

The full meeting notice is here.

 

ONLINE MEETING INFORMATION

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2020

Time: 5:00 PM

Online Access: Webex Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/Mtg3035986

Listen Line: 1-206-207-1700 Meeting Access Code: 146 688 4132

Public Comment Sign Up: https: //bit.ly/Comments3035986

Comments accepted until Nov. 18

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West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force offers mixed advice in conversation with Mayor Durkan

With a week to consider the 89 page Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) document that looks at the pros and cons of the many aspects of repairing or replacing the damaged West Seattle Bridge, some people have drawn conclusions. For a majority of those speaking or being represented in the Community Task Force meeting Oct. 28 with Mayor Jenny Durkan, repair looks like the best choice.

In a wide ranging conversation, no powerpoint this time, the task force member offered their thoughts for the mayor's consideration.

First up was Barbara Moffat of Stantech and a member of the Technical Advisory Panel (TAP).

Has the TAP looked at the rapid replacement? This in reference to the newest idea up for consideration, a tied arch replacement structure that engineering firm HNTB introduced in the last two weeks that would, if all things went as planned have traffic flowing again by 2023.

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Salty's on Alki pivots in the pandemic to redefine winter dining
The industry struggling, a broken West Seattle Bridge and a focus on safety meant making lots of changes including custom made tents, a new menu, and more

Operating a restaurant during a pandemic is no picnic.

Thus far more than 100,000 bars and restaurants have closed as those remaining have tried to sustain themselves on take-out, and with reduced capacity and hours. 

But for Salty's on Alki the challenge has been unique. Arguably one of the best known, and among the largest restaurants in Seattle, Salty's delayed reopening for some time to take a good long look at operations, their training, and even the way the building worked. The pandemic meant a shutdown for everyone at first. But then the West Seattle Bridge failed. That meant the cruise passenger and hotel business they had was not coming back anytime soon even if the pandemic were to end. Finally in July they reopened but more changes lay ahead.

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