WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Second repair-work platform raised

Though expected to be complete this morning, as of 4 pm the hoisting of the second half of the second West Seattle Bridge repair-work platform hadn’t happened yet. Only the first half.

So we waited near the east end of the low bridge for a while, decided it didn’t look like hoisting was imminent, headed back toward our car on SW Marginal Place – then looked back and saw it was up:

These platforms are in different spots than the ones used during stabilization work – further west and east. So what now? The weekly update from SDOT says now that the platforms are all up, “we can start assembling scaffolding on them and prepare for carbon-fiber wrapping work on the bridge’s exterior. Next week, we’ll also begin epoxy injection work on the interior of the bridge. We also continue our concrete scanning using ground penetrating radar in preparation for core drilling that will be happening in the next month. Core drilling allows us to create access holes to run post-tensioning cables through so that they can further reinforce the strength of the bridge’s concrete.”

bolo January 29, 2022 (6:44 pm)

Not impressed. Should have been done years ago. (almost)
Seems like “makework.”
I guess I just need to see the real work. You know– jackhammers, shovels, wheelbarrows, that sort of thing. Haven’t seen any of that. 24/7!

StuckInWestSeattle January 29, 2022 (7:34 pm)

This has all been a perfect view on the incompetence of the SDOT. Its all about punishing car drivers than anything else in my opinion. They should have ripped the lid off that and replaced it with a new deck with light rail integrated for the long haul. If they had started two years ago with some competent and honest contractors, we would be half done with a much better long term solution instead or studies and wasted money.
Jethro Marx January 29, 2022 (8:31 pm)

They engineered a reinforcement plan using the most advanced processes and materials available but you’d be impressed by shovel and wheelbarrow work? It’ll be a fair few 24/7 weeks before they scratch a hole for the new cables using shovels.
Funiculars Next January 29, 2022 (9:59 pm)

I agree! they should tear down the West Seattle bridge and replace it with SKYLINK.
bill January 29, 2022 (10:00 pm)

It would have been money well spent to pay a guy with hammer to walk across the bridge twice a day and tap randomly. And once a week another guy to push a wheelbarrow.
Peter January 30, 2022 (11:20 am)

Tell us what work is needed to be done with jackhammers, shovels, and wheelbarrows on this project. Please be specific.

Knute January 29, 2022 (8:48 pm)

I don’ think you understand the meaning of the word makework.

Derek January 30, 2022 (10:15 am)

Bolo going to pay people to work 24 hours a day? Where’s he finding that labor in the labor shortage times?

lakeunion January 30, 2022 (5:11 pm)

GET THIS FRIGGING JOB DONE or BUILD A REPLACEMENT ! COME ON ! ! !

bolo January 30, 2022 (5:22 pm)

That was my attempt to illustrate that it is important for people to see actual (tradional-looking) work being done on the bridge, if at least for no other reason than to overcome the prevalent perception that SDOT is inept/mayor doesn’t care/Herbold’s gotta go/etc.

I personally have overcome the situation the best I can by: modifying my lifestyle (most difficult) and; finding alternative modes of transportation (easier).

Jort January 30, 2022 (10:07 pm)

So, basically, you want people to look “busy” to soothe peoples’ hurt, sad feelings. :-( So sensitive. :-(
James January 31, 2022 (8:54 am)

lol are you kidding dude? Labor Aesthetics is what you need? I think you need a hobby. Respectfully.