WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Another milestone on the road to reopening

(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)
Our video above shows five of the six minutes it took to bring down the first of the under-bridge work platforms around 8:30 this morning. Repair contractor Kraemer NA‘s project manager told us a week and a half ago that the first platforms would likely be removed this weekend, and that’s what’s happening.

The platforms being removed this weekend – looks like one but it’s in two parts – comprise the western set; the eastern platforms are expected to be brought down next weekend, with trickier logistics because those are over railroad tracks.

(Photo sent by James Thornton)

We’re told these will be disassembled on site, probably by tonight.

Other bridge work happening right now includes cleaning the deck of the Fauntleroy end – where there’s been pavement repair/resurfacing – to prepare for permanent restriping. The bridge’s scheduled reopening date, after a closure of nearly 2 1/2 years, remains September 18th – four weeks from tomorrow.

Mellow Kitty August 20, 2022 (12:17 pm)

In this case, I will be thrilled to be proven wrong! I seriously doubted any estimated reopening dates, now I’m starting to believe this reopening date is solid.

MBF August 20, 2022 (12:45 pm)

Is access on and off Harbor Island blocked?

WSB August 20, 2022 (2:19 pm)

Because of today’s work? No traffic effects.

Be Happy August 20, 2022 (12:59 pm)

Let’s get excited for the reopening of the bridge. Soon we will forget the hardships we endured and go back to our normal. The doubters are downers. They said 2+ years and said mid 2022. They haven’t promised a specific date and we all know why it was slightly delayed (concrete strike). They said the week of Sept 12th and finally landed on Sunday Sept 18th, which we all should’ve thought it would be a weekend day. So stop the “believe it when we see it” because in my mind the only real disappointment is the sudden closing. So get excited! Be happy!

Kalo August 20, 2022 (1:40 pm)

Any idea if they’re going to allow folks to walk the bridge before reopening?

WSB August 20, 2022 (1:46 pm)

As noted previously: SDOT is not allowing pre-reopening events on the bridge.

Curious August 20, 2022 (2:35 pm)

I am going to miss having the bridge closed.Best 2 quiet years in West Seattle island.

JustJedSaid August 20, 2022 (3:31 pm)

Quiet is nice, but it sure reeks havoc on local businesses trying to stay afloat and turn a profit.
Holden Rez August 20, 2022 (7:04 pm)

I am going to miss all the traffic that drives 24/7 past my previously quiet house for the last 2 years and will be sad when I think of it going back to driving past your house, Curious. …NOT!!!!

Greg August 20, 2022 (5:46 pm)

I find it important to note the many folks working their tails off to get this bridge fixed. It’s so deceiving to see very little from the streets, or hwy 99, or the pedestrian Bridge or the houses with views of the project. Being so elevated, it’s a quite different perspective than I90 or Sound transit on I5. Kinda invisible.There are many people in the field and office working very hard. They are very aware how important this project is to the largest residential area by acreage in Seattle. They know the opening date. Some read this blog. I am really proud of these people that so impact my family’s life. It’s not easy.

P.U. August 20, 2022 (6:14 pm)

With the platform down and related work complete, does this mean the god-awful stinky smell under the bridge on WMW is gone too?? Or is that the smell of decaying souls of the intentional line cutters?

Brains! August 20, 2022 (8:25 pm)

That’s a marijuana growing operation causing the skunky odor. I’m not sure exactly which warehouse it is, but there’s no mistaking the smell of a growhouse.
- bill August 20, 2022 (10:47 pm)
  
  I’m pretty sure the grow operation is in the metal-sided building between SW Marginal Pl and W Marginal Way SW.
  - WSB August 21, 2022 (12:18 am)
    
    This is a few years old, but …
    https://andoverco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/3601-Building-Sale.pdf
Knowledgeable August 20, 2022 (8:42 pm)

That’s the exhaust of a pot growing operation🤑

Perry August 21, 2022 (1:43 am)

Google maps is allowing mapping using the upper bridge! Very helpful.

Taylor August 21, 2022 (7:53 pm)

It’s quite possible it was showing you the route over the low bridge based on the time of your posting (1:43am) which it will do during the all-access hours.
- Pete R August 22, 2022 (8:06 am)
  
  You can set your trip time for a future date. I tried searching for a trip downtown on 9/19 and even 10/10, and it still directed me to use the bridge closure reroute. Looks like Google Maps is still in the “believe it when we see it” camp.

Sorry, comment time is over.