FOLLOWUP: Alki Pump Station 38 construction concluding, says SPU

| Utilities | West Seattle news

Almost 15 months after Seattle Public Utilities started work on the Alki Pump Station 38 overhaul, the work is concluding, according to an announcement this afternoon. That includes the art shown in the photo, which extends to a new screened guardrail at the site, by artist Sarah Thompson Moore, inspired by Alki’s topographical features and history. A few details remain, per the city announcement:

As contractor crews transition off the project, they have a few final items to finish within the pump station itself over the next week. Otherwise, the roadway has been paved, the landscaping is currently in its establishment period, and the decorative utility cabinet wrap has been installed.

We recently put in new plants and grass seed around the pump station. To deter people and pets from walking in the areas so the grass can establish properly, the caution tape and stakes will remain up through December.

When the work started almost 15 months ago, SPU said it was expected to last about nine months. Most of the overhaul work was intended to upgrade the station infrastructure to deal with what SPU described as “a significant increase in flows.”

Vee October 5, 2023 (7:42 pm)

It looks beautiful

oniom October 5, 2023 (8:47 pm)

Fifteen months for a nine-month project. I guess we need to be surprised at the seemingly rare instances when Seattle projects are on time and on budget.
- Dooh October 5, 2023 (10:57 pm)
  
  So much negativity, can’t we just be thankful for what we have and are getting. Not everything is a conspiracy, something out to get anyone. Things just happen that no one can control. Come on people, do better.
  - Brandon October 6, 2023 (11:11 am)
    
    It’s called accountability. And it is controllable. Instead of rewarding intentions, reward results. It took 150% the project time. Being thankful for typical wasteful spending begets more wasteful spending.
    - Derp October 6, 2023 (3:23 pm)
      
      How do you know it was over budget ? I have been on the equipment side of things and there are delays that no one expects, factory issues, parts issues, nobodies fault, it just happens. Sounds like there were changes of flows that needed more attention. To me, sounds like arm chair whining.Do better people
    - Brandon October 6, 2023 (4:35 pm)
      
      Derp, I know when I pick up and put down a project over and over again it’s inefficient. Inefficiency leads to extra time. Time is money when you’re paying people. Not to mention the travel out to the site, do a little, travel back, repeat more than planned. Of course things happen but, we can guarantee nobody is budgeting a project take 150% it’s time to complete and factoring in those costs. It’s not rocket science. But it is your money.
    - Derp October 6, 2023 (7:20 pm)
      
      You do understand this was a bid job by the contractor. Any changes are on the city, delays are on the contractor. It was a bid that they have to stick too. If it took them longer. That’s up to the contractor at the same price. And yes it is our money, but you have completely missed the point. Have fun on the next arm chair project.
    - Brandon October 6, 2023 (9:46 pm)
      
      Yep, you are right on the bid aspect. Im not sure what point you thought I was trying to make though, I was just trying to explain things because you asked. Seems you understand the contractor would eat the difference, so you’d inherently understand the budgeting too. I take it youre deliberately trolling people in a condescending manner. I should have taken a hint. Noted for next time.
    - Ice October 7, 2023 (12:18 am)
      
      you are being so idealistic and naive it is amazing. You’ve obviously not looked into how public infrastructure is built and instead had a childish knee-jerk reaction when you saw a number you don’t like. Take a look at the overrun costs of any other city in the world. Pretty much every public project goes over budget, the exceptions are projects which are simply rebuilding infrastructure which collapsed due to unforeseen circumstances. Thinking that a project going over budget is a uniquely Seattle thing basically just shows that you’ve probably never lived anywhere else, and if you were, you weren’t paying attention.

West Seattle Commuter October 6, 2023 (8:23 am)

It looks really great in person. I’m glad that they took the time they needed to create something that is a net positive for the community and adds some cheerfulness to my morning bike commute.

Spencer October 6, 2023 (2:42 pm)

I really like the new installation – it’s a really delightful piece of art that spruces up a fairly ho-hum section of Alki Trail. Love to see it, thanks to the artist and SPU! :D

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