Drivers in West Seattle should prepare for significant travel delays as Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) announces a full road closure on a portion of Southwest Spokane Street starting next week. The closure, scheduled to begin September 24, 2025, is expected to last for approximately three weeks as crews work to modernize a nearly century-old water pump station.
The project focuses on the SW Spokane St Pump Station, a critical facility originally built in 1928 that supplies drinking water and fire protection services to parts of West Seattle. According to a notice sent to media, SPU has determined the aging station is at risk of failure during an earthquake, and many of its systems are in need of immediate repair or replacement. The upcoming construction work is essential to ensure SPU can continue providing reliable and safe services to its customers.
The work will take place along Southwest Spokane Street and 33rd Ave SW, adjacent to the pump station. SPU will be conducting construction directly in the roadway to install new utilities associated with the pump station upgrade.
Key Details for Travelers and Residents:
• Location of Closure: Southwest Spokane Street and 33rd Ave SW.
• Duration: The full road closure is scheduled to last for approximately three weeks, starting September 24 and running through mid-October.
• Work Hours: Construction crews are expected to work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. SPU notes that all schedules are subject to change due to factors like weather, permitting, and crew availability.
During the closure, travelers are advised to plan for additional travel time and follow the signed detour routes. While normal SPU services will continue uninterrupted, residents in the immediate area can expect some impacts, including limited or restricted street parking near the work zone. SPU stated that there are no anticipated interruptions to driveway access, but contractors will coordinate directly with residents if any minor impacts occur.
Officials are urging the public to drive carefully and observe all construction signage for the safety of both workers and the public.
For more information about the project, the public can contact Project Manager Ian Fitz-James at (206) 914-9310 or Ian.Fitz-James@seattle.gov. For time-sensitive concerns related to the construction work itself, Resident Engineer Nammy Tran is available at (206) 561-1277 or Nammy.Tran@seattle.gov. Interpretation services are also available by calling (206) 914-9310
