FOLLOWUP: Construction underway for West Seattle Junction fast-charging station

| Environment | Transportation | West Seattle news

Construction has begun at the site of West Seattle’s future city-installed electric-vehicle “fast-charging” station, on 39th SW in front of the south end of West Seattle Bowl. Here’s the announcement from Seattle City Light:

This week, Seattle City Light contracted crews began construction on two electric vehicle (EV) fast charger installations on 39th Avenue SW, between SW Oregon Street and Fauntleroy Way SW. The project is part of a program to install public EV-charging infrastructure in the utility’s service area

Project History & Feedback

In May 2019, City Light hosted a survey to collect feedback from West Seattle residents about the proposed EV charging site. Click here to read a summary of the survey results,

Project Details

Two EV chargers will be installed on the west side of 39th Ave. SW, between SW Oregon St. and Fauntleroy Way SW.

Crews will be trenching along the sidewalk on 39th Ave. SW to install underground electrical infrastructure.

Customers can expect parking and sidewalk restrictions during this project.

Noise is expected during construction due to heavy equipment.

Temporary power outages may be required to do the work safely. Affected customers will be notified in advance of any planned outage.

EV Charging Details

Only EVs can park in the designated charging spaces. EV parking will be enforced and limited to one hour. Vehicles that violate the parking restrictions will be issued a $124 fine or towed away at the owner’s expense.

Each charger will be equipped with CHAdeMo and SAE Combo connectors, which are compatible with all fast charge-capable EVs.

The cost to charge your EV at City Light’s fast chargers will vary depending on the time of day. A 30-minute charge may cost between $3 to $8.

Timing & Coordination

This project is estimated for completion in two to three months. Daily work hours are from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here’s our December report on the installation of similar chargers in SODO.

West Seattle since 1979 April 3, 2020 (6:49 pm)

I thought construction wasn’t allowed because there’s no way for workers to stay 6 feet apart?

WSB April 3, 2020 (7:42 pm)

As discussed in the port thread, infrastructure projects are considered essential. Lots and lots of boilerplate about safety preceded the portion of the announcement that I published. It began:

The City of Seattle continues to follow guidance from our public health authorities including Public Health – Seattle and King County, Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding COVID-19. At Seattle City Light, we are continuing to provide essential services to our customers throughout this time.

We are prioritizing essential critical infrastructure work and doing work in a way that minimizes planned service disruptions. This is in accordance with Governor Inslee’s order and with protocols in place to meet all COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC, DOH, and Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA). Below you will find additional information about our public EV charging project in the West Seattle area.

Please be aware that due to the nature of the work, some essential tasks require crew members to work closely together for their safety. So, if you see a few of them working side by side, please know they’re doing it for good reason and are minimizing close proximity as much as they can to safely complete the job.

And please do your part by keeping a safe distance when you see a crew working on the job.
- Realsteel April 4, 2020 (2:26 pm)
  
  Lol hypocrites. It’s funny how construction production is essential when it is the State’s budget on the hook. Hey at least they pretend to care about their budget for a change!!! We are making progress here!!

dsa April 3, 2020 (8:29 pm)

CL can justify all they want, but these stations should have a bottom spot on their prioritized essential critical infrastructure work list.

WS Guy April 3, 2020 (8:29 pm)

All workers are essential but some are more essential than others.

West Seattle Lurker April 3, 2020 (8:59 pm)

That’s great they’re still keeping this project going. There was still construction going on at the luxury condos around the Duwamish Head are a few days ago. I could see workers managing some sort of concrete operation. I met the turkey today – very nice animal!

uncle loco April 3, 2020 (9:24 pm)

I guess it’s too dangerous for us little people who build multi family housing to work. I mean its not like there is or was a housing shortage (remember the affordable housing crisis?). Good thing they have that critical Tesla charging station going though.

Nate April 4, 2020 (7:41 pm)

It’s not a Tesla charging station. Tesla maintains its own network of fast chargers. This is primarily for non-Tesla electric cars. A Tesla would actually need a very expensive adapter to even charge at this station at all. Charging stations are infrastructure, just like gas stations are. There are currently very few public chargers in West Seattle, given its size and popularity of EVs.

Jack April 3, 2020 (9:31 pm)

“This project is estimated for completion in two to three months. Daily work hours are from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.” Two to Three Months!!! WTH!

Mj April 3, 2020 (10:48 pm)

uncle loco – beurospeak we can work because we make the rules. I’m with you construction should be allowed to continue.

AuntSanity April 6, 2020 (9:40 am)

Seems like some of you are complaining because your work is shutdown, and City Light is able to work.

From your comments, I’m guessing you would work if you were able to get away with it and do it safely.

City Light isn’t making the rules related to COVID-19. So they are essentially doing exactly what you would do if you were in their shoes. They have determined that they can do the work safely, and they have found a way to keep it going.

This isn’t the State’s budget by the way. It’s probably paid through City of Seattle electricity rates. I’m guessing the net benefit of this project is probably lowering your rates in the long run due to increased electrical revenue.

I realize you are probably frustrated with your situation, but government workers are people too. Try putting yourself in other people’s shoes.

Sorry, comment time is over.