2 highway-project updates: No more ramp work till mid-February; ‘Timber Bridge’ work to start February 25th

(WSDOT photo of the ‘noise shack’ during interchange work)
Two updates tonight on the latest state-highway projects in the West Seattle vicinity: First, for those following the I-5 Spokane St. Interchange Vicinity Special Bridge Repair project, replacing expansion joints – it is NOT scheduled for any more weekend ramp closures until the weekend of February 15-18.

One week after that, on February 25th, is the date set for work to start on the “Timber Bridge”/Spokane St. Overcrossing on Highway 99 south of the West Seattle Bridge.

(WSDOT photo)
As the project page points out, this section of highway was built as a temporary structure more than half a century ago. It will be rebuilt in two phases so that traffic can continue to get through: “Traffic will be reduced to two northbound lanes and one southbound lane between South Nevada Street and the West Seattle Bridge from Feb. 25 through June 2014,” says WSDOT.

Bruce January 23, 2013 (10:41 pm)

And I’d just like to point out, that new bridge will be built using geofoam, aka glorified packing peanuts.

Physics! How does it work!??

wetone January 24, 2013 (9:18 am)

Interesting how they built this section of highway as a temporary structure more than half a century ago and it’s still standing strong, when the permanent road structures they build today don’t last that long. Thats progress I guess.

KyleB January 24, 2013 (10:44 am)

Planned obsolescence for infrastructure isn’t such a bad thing. Can save current and future taxpayer dollars: a) Cheaper to build something that will last 20 years than something to last FOREVER. b) Cheaper to dismantle or redesign when the structure no longer fits its need.
Ever try to tear-apart 100 year old concrete and steal?

Work downtown January 24, 2013 (12:42 pm)

Has the DOT estimated how long of a delay this will cause going south on 99 at rush hour? It seems when we’ve had minor repairs in that area before reducing the southbound lane to 1 lane causes a big backup. Are they wanting us to detour to I-5 or 1st Ave so?

Sorry, comment time is over.