WEEK AHEAD: Admiral Way Bridge traffic switch, crosswalk removal

(Reader photo from Mark after crosswalk’s installation in August)

Crews on the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project will take Christmas week off. But first, they’re planning to switch the traffic flow again this week, on Thursday, at which time SDOT says the temporary crosswalk at 39th SW will be removed:

We’ll be transitioning into our third phase of traffic control on December 19. The two center lanes on Admiral Way SW will be closed during this phase, with one lane in each direction open for people driving. As part of this transition, the temporary crosswalk at Admiral Way SW and 39th Ave SW will be removed.

They’re also projecting that construction might last into the summer, spokesperson Matthew Howard tells WSB. (The projection was spring when the work began back in July.) The current phase of work involves “continuing to drill and epoxy in anchor dowels and … beginning to repair cracks on the piers.” Also ahead, “removing paint from the bridge’s steel truss members and … retrofitting this component with gusset plates in the coming weeks.” After the Christmas-week pause, work will resume December 30th. Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge, meantime, will remain closed until the end of construction.

Admiral-2009 December 15, 2024 (10:35 pm)

The temporary xwalk should remain in place until all lanes on Admiral Way are open.

22blades December 16, 2024 (6:58 am)

Please leave the crosswalk & light system if you’re serious about promoting neighborhood foot traffic & local businesses.

Carson December 16, 2024 (7:24 am)

Remember, that is a crosswalk, even if the signs are removed pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way there.

Ugh December 16, 2024 (7:45 am)

So how far over budget are they also anticipating this project will run? Summer does not sound on budget.

k December 16, 2024 (8:55 am)

Extra time does not directly correspond to extra money. If the delays are due to them having to stop more frequently due to supply chain issues or weather than anticipated, that wouldn’t have a huge impact on budget, even if it impacts the timeline. It’s only if the delays are for reasons that require more labor and/or more materials. If extra labor and materials were needed, but they were able to make the deadline that would still cause a budget overage.
- Sparky December 16, 2024 (12:46 pm)
  
  Asking if the project delay means that they are also over budget is a perfectly reasonable question to ask, which is all Ugh suggested.
  - Matt December 16, 2024 (7:54 pm)
    
    And replying that extra time does not directly correspond to extra money is a perfectly reasonable response.
derp December 16, 2024 (10:17 am)

SO YOUR FIRST THOUGHT IS HOW FAR OVER BUDGET IS IT ? Why not, great it is coming along.The term TEMPORARY for this crosswalk. It doesn’t need to be marked for it to be a crosswalk.
- Ugh December 17, 2024 (9:47 pm)
  
  Yes, I would like to know if this project is forecasted to go over budget, because I can’t remember the last time an infrastructure project like this was reported to be on time and on budget in this city. And that’s a concern. With a bit more accountability a lot more money could be used for crosswalk, lights and all the other good stuff that people are talking about. Simple question. Debating it does not answer it.

Belvidear December 16, 2024 (8:58 am)

The location of the crosswalk is not ideal when traffic is turning right onto Admiral from 39th. Drivers looking for oncoming traffic to the left can easily miss pedestrians just starting to cross. Would love even more protections for pedestrians along Admiral – stop signs, traffics lights, flashing lights…It’s all too precarious as is.

K December 16, 2024 (10:17 am)

You just described driver behavior at every intersection everywhere.

Kyle December 16, 2024 (5:37 pm)

Crosswalk and light system seems like an inexpensive pedestrian safety improvement at a location that needs it. Why does this not have more support from the anti-car folks?

Sorry, comment time is over.