FOLLOWUP: New, shorter schedule for southbound 1st Avenue South Bridge work

(Reader photo from WSB files; southbound span is in background)

Just in from the state Department of Transportation: A new, shorter schedule for the upcoming work on the southbound 1st Avenue South Bridge, starting later and ending earlier than announced last week. The work to repair bearing pads (as explained here) will start the night of Friday, March 5th. That night, and the next night (Saturday, March 6th), the southbound bridge will be fully closed 9 pm-6 am. Then, no work until noon March 10th, when the southbound bridge will be reduced to two lanes. Those closures will continue until noon March 15th, with two full overnight closures 9 pm-6 am the nights of Sunday, March 14th, and Monday, March 15th. (WSDOT explains that, “During the first two overnight closures, crews will lift the bridge deck a small amount to access, remove, and begin replacement of the bearing pads. When work is complete, crews will use the final two closures to complete the bridge repair work.”) This work will NOT involve the northbound side – which is actually a separate, older bridge – at any point, WSDOT stresses. We first reported last October that this project was in the works; it was originally expected to happen in January.

P.S. If you have questions, be at tonight’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting, which is scheduled to include a WSDOT guest talking about this work.

5 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: New, shorter schedule for southbound 1st Avenue South Bridge work"

  • Mike February 25, 2021 (12:31 pm)

    Good news!!!

  • Flo B February 25, 2021 (12:57 pm)

    WSB. Can’t tune in to the WSTC meeting but do have a question to be asked. That pertains to the high WS bridge. Was said cold weather needed to be monitored. With our snow came a little cold weather.  Was there any adverse effect to the bridge?

    • WSB February 25, 2021 (7:38 pm)

      It performed “great!” enthused project head Heather Marx when we asked.

  • Christina February 25, 2021 (11:11 pm)

    I mean, it’s good news but I was unaware that between 5 and 6 am there will be significant impact with the lower bridge off limits and this detour route also closed.  It’s a shame they couldn’t have made some sort of accommodation that didn’t leave West Seattle so inaccessible in that window. I’d rather wait the hour than detour the detour. 

  • ScottAmick February 26, 2021 (7:42 am)

    When 2 of 4 lanes of the southbound 1st Ave S bridge are closed does this mean that there will be 1 HOV lane and 1 general purpose lane OR will both remaining lanes be open to all traffic?  Thanks!

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