SDOT- High bridge repair: Closed the last bridge deck access points; preparing the corridor for reopening

File photo by Patrick Robinson

Information from Seattle Department of Transportation

progress graphic — A graphic of the West Seattle Bridge showing which sections are complete and which are under construction. The completed sections include carbon-fiber wrapping and epoxy injections, tightening the post-tensioning steel cables throughout the bridge, and restoring the bridge deck by closing off all access points to the inside of the bridge. Under construction is demobilizing the worksite and maintenance items like building inspection platforms and paving the bridge surface.

With just over one week before reopening the bridge, we are focused on converting the bridge from an active construction site back to a ready-to-use roadway that tens of thousands of travelers will soon use each day. As part of this effort, we closed the last access points in the bridge deck this week by pouring concrete into recently assembled wooden forms. These access points allowed crews and equipment to get into the bridge’s girders with ease throughout repair work.

bridge deck openings — The last openings in the bridge deck, which enabled access to the bridge’s girders, were filled with concrete this week. When the concrete is set, the form will be removed.

We also started removing worksite trailers from the bridge. These trailers served as onsite storage areas and breakrooms for work crews. We will remove the final worksite trailers, including the construction office, from the bridge next week.

work trailers — Crews prepare the on-site construction office for removal from the bridge deck.

form over barrier — Getting ready to reinstall sections of barrier that were removed to improve access on the bridge deck. Crews pour concrete into the wooden forms.

While parts of the construction site are being demobilized, we’re still finishing other preparation work for reopening, including pouring concrete for the barriers between eastbound and westbound traffic, striping the travel lanes, and replacing guardrails. We’re also continuing to install the permanent inspection platforms inside the bridge’s girders, which will make it easier for inspectors to monitor the bridge in the months and years ahead.

West Seattle Bridge Final Repairs Checklist

Completed: Let the post-tensioning concrete set and cure
Completed: Install post-tensioning ducts
Completed: Pre-tensioning epoxy injections and carbon-fiber wrapping
Completed: Install post-tensioning strands
Completed: Tension post-tensioning strands
Completed: Complete final epoxy injections and carbon-fiber wrapping
Completed: Complete cure time for the carbon-fiber wrapping
Completed: Remove work platforms
Completed: Restore the bridge deck
Under construction: Load test and inspect the repairs
Under construction: Demobilize the site

Construction in West Seattle this weekend

As part of the Reconnect West Seattle program, in addition to ongoing street maintenance and safety improvements, we will be completing several projects this weekend. Work is expected to begin as early as 6 AM and conclude by 5 PM. Please expect delays, drive safely in work zones, and follow directions from signs and flaggers.

On Friday and Saturday, we will be paving Admiral Way SW between SW Hanford and SW Olga St. We anticipate this work taking place the next two weekends.
On Saturday and Sunday, we’re repaving the street near California Ave SW and Ferry Ave SW.
On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be pouring new concrete panels on 16th Ave SW and SW Webster St.
On Sunday, we’re installing speed humps on 16th Ave SW and on Alki Ave SW at 58th Ave SW and 63rd Ave SW.
Along with the speed humps on Alki Ave SW, we’ll also be installing some in-lane crosswalk signs that say “State Law Stop for Pedestrians within Crosswalk.” This is to help create a safer experience for everyone who visits the beach and nearby businesses. View the construction notice here.

We’ll also be completing several projects this weekend to prepare for the West Seattle Bridge reopening. If you are travelling on the detour route this weekend, expect slowdowns in the work areas.

On Friday night, starting around 8:30 PM through Saturday morning at 6 AM, we’ll be removing barriers from southbound SR 99 that close off the exit to the West Seattle Bridge.
Also on Friday night from 8 PM through Saturday morning at 6 AM, we’ll be restriping the travel lanes near the Chelan 5-way intersection to what it looked like before the West Seattle Bridge closed. After this work is done, the intersection will still operate the same, until next weekend when the West Seattle Bridge reopens.
On Saturday from 7 AM through 4 PM, we’ll be working at Chelan Ave SW and SW Spokane St (west of the Chelan 5-way intersection) to return the signal to how it operated before the bridge closure. The signal will be turned off for some time, and uniformed police officers will be directing traffic while we complete this work.
On Sunday night from about 8:30 PM through Monday morning at 6 AM, we’ll be working on the southbound onramps to the West Seattle Bridge to update the travel lane striping.
We’ll be removing the red bus lane paint on 1st Ave S in the vicinity of S. Horton St in the SODO neighborhood and on both sides of the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge) entrances. This work is scheduled to begin Saturday night at 8:30 PM and we expect to be done on Sunday around 6 AM.
On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be installing new directional signs at the Chelan 5-way intersection. Work is anticipated to begin as early as 7 AM and conclude by 4 PM on both days.

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West Seattle Herald