BRIDGE UPDATES: Low-bridge camera installation continues Friday; 1st Avenue South Bridge repair-plan update

Three bridge notes tonight:

LOW-BRIDGE CAMERAS UPDATE: SDOT sent the photo, announcing “that crews installed the first camera today without any need for lane closures. They plan to install a second camera close to 11th Ave SW tomorrow.” We went out on the low bridge this afternoon and noticed several new signboards like the one in the photo. SDOT says those will be used to let people know when enforcement is happening and when (like 9 pm-5 am nightly) it’s not. The cameras are expected to be activated next month; this SDOT post recaps the current rules for low-bridge use.

1ST AVENUE SOUTH BRIDGE UPDATE: As we first reported in October, repair work will bring lane closures to the southbound 1st Avenue South Bridge next month. This week, we checked back with WSDOT – this is a state bridge, not a city bridge – to see if the dates were set yet. Short answer: No. Long answer: No, because they haven’t chosen a contractor yet. Five bids were received, and opened yesterday; the three lowest bids are listed on this WSDOT webpage. The contract likely will be awarded next week, and the work schedule will be set after that.

REMINDER – SOUTH PARK BRIDGE CLOSURE TONIGHT: Quick reminder that tonight is the second scheduled night for an inspection closure of the South Park Bridge, 10:30 pm-6 am.

Shelby December 10, 2020 (9:43 pm)

So what I’m reading is I have another month left of lower bridge travel…..

rpo December 10, 2020 (10:51 pm)

Thanks for blocking the ambulances while conducting your clearly more important business.
- Human December 10, 2020 (11:56 pm)
  
  No one blocked any abulances (except for selfish people cheating and driving on the bridge illegally).
  
  Just scroll up three inches, it says right there that “crews installed the first camera today without any need for lane closures“.
  - rpo December 11, 2020 (1:43 pm)
    
    I was responding to the person who said they are using the low bridge….

Rumbles December 11, 2020 (1:10 am)

Book ‘em Danno!

mark sahs December 11, 2020 (8:49 am)

How about an update on fixing the damn bridge????

WSB December 11, 2020 (9:54 am)

Stabilization continues.
https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2020/12/07/weekly-update-west-seattle-bridge-5/

The Dude December 11, 2020 (9:58 am)

Good way to fund bridge repair.

David December 11, 2020 (12:01 pm)

To all those hating on others for driving on the low bridge during the day, can anyone of you present evidence that ambulance traffic will in fact be impeded were the bridge to be opened to all traffic? I am not at all convinced that this argument is true. If it were for example, why are trucks allowed to use the lower bridge with no restrictions when ships are in?

rpo December 11, 2020 (1:44 pm)

I watched an ambulance get stuck trying to cross the bridge westbound at 3 PM a few months ago while biking across for at least 5 minutes because of the traffic back up from everyone trying to use it coming.

Flivver December 11, 2020 (2:25 pm)

While biking across the bridge a month ago watch a SPD motor officer headed to the Chelan intersection for traffic control. He was riding down the middle because the Westbound lane was PACKED SOLID with semi’s and busses-no cars on the bridge.

Sparky December 11, 2020 (3:40 pm)

Open the dang low bridge to all traffic. Closing it just adds more traffic to the historically oppressed residents of South Park and Georgetown, not to mention sending it by the Duwamish Long House. Stop the Oppression – Open the Bridge!

Jeff December 13, 2020 (5:26 pm)

Maybe ease up the hours of use for the public.5:30 am during the week one bus with 4 people every 10 minutes. It would help take the pressure off the 1st Ave Bridge, which is also crumbling.

Christy December 15, 2020 (8:30 am)

Thanks SO MUCH, WSB, for the 1st Ave bridge update! I wish I had dates, but now at least I know why I don’t have dates. Really want to just take vacation during that NB work!

Sorry, comment time is over.