FOLLOWUP: Andover walking/biking bridge work delayed by concrete strike, SDOT says

(SDOT photo)

Two months ago, SDOT said its contractor had about two months of earthquake-safety work left on the SW Andover walking/biking bridge over the west end of the West Seattle Bridge. So is it almost done? No. The department sent an update today saying completion is delayed because of the ongoing concrete strike:

This project, and several others, have had to pause concrete paving work until the strike is resolved. This is a challenge, and we support a fair resolution among the parties. In the meantime, we’re continuing other project work at the site and behind the scenes and will be sure to share more about the strike outcome and any impacts to this project as information becomes available. We remain hopeful that this issue will be resolved soon and that we can continue making even more progress delivering projects for our Seattle communities.

The concrete strike’s been under way for two months, so we asked SDOT how much time this project has lost, and which others are affected. We’re still waiting for those answers. The bridge has been closed since two months before the work began, after a sudden shutdown blamed on trespassing concerns.

8 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Andover walking/biking bridge work delayed by concrete strike, SDOT says"

  • Brian January 14, 2022 (4:25 pm)

    As always, collective action gets the goods. Godspeed union brethren. 

    • Derek January 14, 2022 (6:53 pm)

      Starting this job before the bridge was done is the problem I have. We don’t need additional inconveniences in WS and this could have waited until later this year! Stupid mismanagement.  I always support strikes and unions.

      • aa January 14, 2022 (8:41 pm)

        I wonder, is Derek a professional in this field of project management? At a level the likes of SDOT?  He seems to think it would be better project management to hold off on repair and upgrade projects until the bridge is done.  I get the impression that projects are worked on when they decide it is the best time to get the work done.  Supplies are in,  staffing, weather, how it fits with other project schedules, maybe even the thought that getting some of these smaller projects out of the way before bridge repair is in full swing.  

        • Derek January 17, 2022 (9:03 am)

          Demonstrably bad project planning here. Not sure what you’re saying. 

  • salal January 14, 2022 (5:04 pm)

    SDOT continues to fail in west seattle. One can only imagine what’s going to happen with the big bridge. My guess is that they can’t even get this tiny project done by spring

    • gaultheria shallon January 14, 2022 (5:43 pm)

      How is SDOT failing West Seattle in this Andover Bridge situation, exactly? The concrete strike is something totally out of their control, and many contractors all over the area cannot continue or start work due to the strike. It’s mighty hard to repair something when the necessary materials aren’t available.

  • CarDriver January 14, 2022 (5:36 pm)

    WSB. Is SDOT saying if the strike has/will impact the high bridge?.

    • WSB January 14, 2022 (6:08 pm)

      As I wrote above, I asked after this info came in, what other projects? No reply, so I’m going to have to ask again on Monday. When the strike first started in November, they said no. Nothing currently involves concrete pouring – just the opposite, more like concrete demolition – but certainly over the months ahead that could change, with promised projects such as deck repair – TR

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