WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: What’s happening with one month to go until expected reopening

One week ago, SDOT announced September 18th as the expected reopening date for the West Seattle Bridge – provided all goes as planned. So we asked today: Still on schedule? Replied SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson, “Yes, we are still on track to reopen the bridge on September 18.” We also asked if repair contractor Kraemer NA is still ready to lower one of the two under-the-bridge work platforms this weekend, as we learned during a visit to the bridge work zone last week. For that too, the answer is yes, probably Saturday, no exact time yet. Bergerson adds, “We are also very close to completing the carbon fiber wrapping and epoxy injection work, and expect this to be completed by next week.”

SIDE NOTE: Checking the archives – on this date last year, a D.C. delegation including Sen. Maria Cantwell visited the bridge as crews were preparing for the final repairs.

James August 18, 2022 (6:23 pm)

What’s up with all the hidden license plates crossing lower bridge? Bunch of motorcycles with covered or no plates. Saw a car that had device that covered/uncovered electronically.They must be seeing that on cameras.

Yup August 18, 2022 (8:07 pm)

Yes, those are the privileged people of West Seattle that don’t think rules apply to them. Unfortunately I don’t think they can do anything.
- Alki resident August 19, 2022 (9:19 am)
  
  What makes you think they’re from West Seattle?
- Robert J Schmidt August 19, 2022 (11:33 am)
  
  They can do plenty, they just won’t.
Auntie August 18, 2022 (8:45 pm)

I think it would be nice if SPD could do a “close-out special” emphasis patrol on the lower bridge between now and when the high bridge re-opens. Motorcycle police could be stationed strategically to catch these scofflaws where the cameras cannot. I realize SPD resources are spread thin, but these cheaters are so flagrant, it would be nice to see them caught and realize they are not above the law.
Beth August 18, 2022 (9:20 pm)

It doesn’t matter, even if people get tickets there’s no penalty for not paying them.
- Duh August 19, 2022 (9:09 am)
  
  Yes there is penalties for not paying them. Where did you come up with that idea.

bill August 18, 2022 (8:41 pm)

Even when cops are present there’s no enforcement. I was waiting on the bike trail for a barge to pass the other day. A police car was in the lineup on the bridge along with at least five passenger cars. Sitting ducks! Did the cops get out to check permits? Nooooo.

WS Res August 19, 2022 (11:56 am)

What a waste of officers’ time, “getting out to check permits” – you can’t possibly be serious.

Watertowerjim August 19, 2022 (6:10 am)

I hesitate to mention this but we used the lower bridge two months ago for a medical emergency and have yet to receive any infraction. Last year we used our three “free passes” (you get one warning per auto so might as well) and all three came within two weeks of crossing. Have they stopped sending?

Jeepney August 19, 2022 (6:27 am)

Entitled is not a word I would use, resourceful comes to mind. I don’t mind if a few people cheat the system and take the lower bridge, that means a few less cars belching exhaust while idling in gridlock.

Jill Loblaw August 19, 2022 (8:52 pm)

I mind a whole bunch. They are cheaters and should be treated as such. Where is their moral compass? These are the same bunch who drive in the HOV lane single. Why make rules at all? It’s apparent they don’t care and need the police to enforce lawful behavior.
- Jeepney August 20, 2022 (7:21 am)
  
  I’d rather our dwindling police force focus on real criminals, not people driving their vehicles on public roads built with taxpayer dollars.

Sorry, comment time is over.