(SDOT photo, via Twitter/X)

When the cylinder that has just been returned to the West Seattle low bridge was removed last January, SDOT explained that the bridge’s maritime openings would take longer. So we asked today whether those times will return to their previous shorter durations. Spokesperson Chris Miller says no:

The time required for opening the bridge under a one-cylinder operation remains unchanged.

This weekend, in addition to reinstalling the cylinder that was removed earlier this year from the east pier housing, we undertook the task of removing the other cylinder for refurbishment. Both cylinders were originally put into service simultaneously, and the early indicators of failure observed on the first cylinder are also apparent on this one. While we initially had plans to overhaul both cylinders, the failure of the first one has now made the rehabilitation of these cylinders our top priority. Our current plan is to refurbish the second cylinder removed from the east pier housing. Once that cylinder is reinstalled, we will conduct the same process to refurbish the west pier cylinders.

The extended opening times will continue until all the cylinders are refurbished and reinstalled.

That timeline is still being worked out.