UPDATE: Next major repair step – leaky cylinder removed from West Seattle low bridge

(SDOT photos)

12:16 PM: SDOT has just sent photos from inside the West Seattle low bridge (aka the Spokane Street Swing Bridge), with word that the next major step in repair work is happening right now. Crews are removing the bridge’s leaky cylinder – after which, SDOT has said, they’ll be able to estimate how long it’ll take to get the bridge back to full service.

This is what SDOT said last week will be done next:

The cylinder will need to be temporarily removed and overhauled off-site. Over the past 10 days, we built and assembled some of the equipment necessary to move the massive cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed, we will re-engineer the bridge’s eastern span to temporarily operate on the single remaining turning cylinder. This work requires reprogramming the control system and testing it to ensure the new configuration is reliable and safe. While the eastern bridge span is running with one cylinder, opening and closing the bridge for passing ships will take about 10 minutes longer than usual.

The bridge has been closed to street and path traffic since December 23rd.

P.S. SDOT director Greg Spotts is play-by-play posting about the removal on Twitter.

2:11 PM: Another photos added from inside. – above, what Spotts describes as “the ‘cradle’ that will receive the cylinder.” SDOT says this is pretty much a day-long operation – when the cylinder comes out, it’ll be on the east side of the “machine house” at ground level, possibly visible via this camera.

2:36 PM: They’re getting closer to cylinder removal:

5:36 PM: They’re still working on getting the 15,000-pound cylinder out. As of about an hour ago, it was secured in its cradle:

6:39 PM: Almost there:

7:33 PM: It’s out:

Now it’ll be taken to an SDOT facility, and then to a hydraulic-repair shop.

Wseattleite January 8, 2023 (3:43 pm)

I like the play by play action reporting. Kudos to SDOT and Mr. Spotts for being transparent.

Joe January 8, 2023 (8:51 pm)

Not everyone can follow Director Spots treats. I’ve been blocked. First blocked by President Trumps and now blocked by Director Spots. Who’s next?

Question Authority January 8, 2023 (4:34 pm)

That must be an older photo as they haven’t even unplumbed the cylinder or pulled the linkage pin, talk about putting the cart before the horse. And, they better clean those Crosby’s, sanding disk, Duct tape and tool off the top before someone gets a head injury. Safety First

WSB January 8, 2023 (4:36 pm)

These are just a few of the photos SDOT have sent, and you can see more at the Twitter link (unlike some social media, you don’t need membership to view).
my two cents January 9, 2023 (3:53 am)

@question authority – thanks for adding to the peanut gallery comments!

John January 8, 2023 (6:36 pm)

It would be so fun to get in there with my camera and watch them work!

SLN January 8, 2023 (6:42 pm)

For as vexing as the closure has been I’m actually really pleased with SDOT’s response and their continued updates. Dare I say it’s even a little fun to see the repair process documented with this much detail. Props to the department for handling it as best they can! :D

Marina January 8, 2023 (7:24 pm)

So cool. I want THAT job.

DRC January 9, 2023 (7:28 am)

Was this cylinder leaking awhile back our was that another one ? Better maintenance is NEEDED on all our bridges

Amy Thomson January 9, 2023 (10:36 am)

That was REALLY COOL! You could totally do a periodic infrastructure article about bridges and roads and whatever with this level of granular focus and cool pictures. I’d love that! Hell, I’d even volunteer to do the visits and write the articles!

Your Friend January 9, 2023 (6:15 pm)

Wow, I would really love to see a show about how these things are made. That cylinder looks so specialized. Despite the interruption to the commute, it’s fascinating to see the inside of these towers and all the mechanical infrastructure.

Your Friend January 9, 2023 (6:18 pm)

I want to add that these photos and the narrative really help the community understand what actually goes into repairing and maintaining this piece of infrastructure.

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