(SDOT photos)

With unplanned closures yesterday and today, the West Seattle low bridge’s status is in the spotlight again. We asked SDOT for updates – here are two we’ve just received:

Recent unplanned bridge closures

The recent unplanned closures of the Spokane St Swing Bridge have been due to a damaged sensor in the barrier gate on the western side of the bridge as well as unrelated electrical damage from the recent windstorms.

The motion sensor is one of the safeguards used to verify that the barrier gate is correctly locked into place so that the bridge can be safely opened to vehicles. The sensor appears to have worn out earlier this month leading to multiple short-term disruptions to bridge operations. It took us some time to diagnose the root cause of the problem, but this morning technicians were able to confirm the location of the damaged sensor and replace it.

Meanwhile, there have also been unplanned closures resulting from the storm this past weekend. During the storm, power surges and water seeping into some of the enclosures caused short circuits in the terminal blocks, wiring, and connectors. Maintenance staff have been troubleshooting and repairing this damage as it comes to light, but it is still possible that there could be additional damage which we have not discovered yet.

Update on lift cylinder repairs

Earlier this month, SDOT crews installed a newly repaired hydraulic lift cylinder inside the east pier of the Spokane St Swing Bridge. The work was completed over weekend of February 8-10, and did not require any bridge closures for land travel.

The bridge relies on two lift cylinders (one on each side of the Duwamish Waterway). There is also a third spare lift cylinder which has been used when one of the others is being repaired. SDOT has now finished repairing both of the active lift cylinders.

The pair of 30,000 pound hydraulic lift cylinders are the largest mechanical part in the complex system used to lift and turn the 14-million-pound bridge span so it can be opened for passing ships. Each of the large lift cylinders is connected to a pair of smaller turn cylinders which rotate the bridge (four turn cylinders total).

We are still working on the repairs to the last of these smaller hydraulic turn cylinders which was removed in October 2024. We expect to reinstall this turn cylinder and continue to repair and upgrade other cylinders and electrical components throughout this year.

SDOT also completed a bridge strengthening project in 2022, earthquake safety project in 2024, and upgrades to the bridge control and communications system in 2024. This work was made possible thanks to local funding sources including the 2015 Levy to Move Seattle.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Silverado

| Crime | West Seattle news

A WSB reader found the last stolen car posted here. Maybe you’ll find this one, just reported to us via email:

I am writing to report a stolen vehicle last night (2/27) sometime after 7:00 pm in the Diamond Parking Lot on 42nd Ave SW (behind Row House). 2006 white Chevy Silverado pickup truck. License plate #C50905U.

We’ll add the police-report number when we get it. (ADDED: It’s 25-55216.)

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Three updates from Sound Transit board meeting

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Three things to know from Thursday’s Sound Transit board meeting:

‘RECORD OF DECISION’ DELAY: We reported earlier this week on the Federal Transit Administration‘s new date for a “Record of Decision“ on the West Seattle Link Extension project, a milestone that allows the project to move into final design. This is what interim CEO Goran Sparrman told the board, in a ST-provided transcription:

We recently got word that the federal Record of Decision, which we anticipated at the end of this month, will likely be delayed 30-60 days to allow time for the Federal Transit Administration to work with the Office of the General Counsel at the White House to review and ensure consistency with recent Executive Orders. We understand that this added process step is not exclusive to the WSLE project and is being applied broadly at this time. We will continue to work diligently with FTA on next steps and look forward to providing you and the public updates as we have them.

BOARD APPROVES EARLY ACQUISITION: Board members approved the resolution authorizing “early acquisitions” in the 3800 block of Delridge Way SW (here’s our story from last weekend). That will pave the way for more North Delridge businesses including Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts, The Skylark, and Ounces to work with ST regarding relocation assistance.

COST SAVINGS: The board got a technical-detail-heavy update from deputy CEO of megaprojects Terri Mestas and West Seattle project director Brad Owen regarding potential cost-savings measures – systemwide as well as on WSLE – mostly involving “design optimization.” Here’s the slide deck. They promised more cost specifics next quarter, but in the meantime, some of what they’ve identified includes:

-Precast (constructed offsite) components of guideways for elevated segments
-Seven “station prototypes” that could be used on projects throughout the system
-Measures to reduce station footprints
-Measures to reduce wetland impacts

Until those upcoming specifics are available, there’s no new overall cost estimate – though a possible WSLE savings of a third of a billion dollars is shown on one slide – but one board member, Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell, said she’s still worried about “off-ramps” for the West Seattle project, given the “sticker shock” of the most recent estimates. Mestas told her that once they hire a design firm – expected this spring – that team, for example, could do “limited design work” that would help zero in on cost savings.

Watch for the video of Thursday’s board meeting to appear here. EVENING UPDATE: It’s viewable here.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Farewell party for Admiral Chevron’s legendary Harold Chacon

February 28, 2025 11:11 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo by Anne Higuera)

You’ve still got time – until noon – to get to Admiral Chevron (northwest corner of Admiral and California) to say farewell to Harold Chacon, the jovial employee who is retiring after more than a quarter-century at the station, moving back to Puerto Rico to be with his mom. Today is Harold’s last day at the station, and he’ll head to Puerto Rico in about a month.

(Added: Harold with station owner Marc Gartin – photo by Clay Eals)

People have been streaming in to wish him well, and a small crowd was waiting for the cake, brought in by the station owner, who gave Harold a big hug. (See this recent WSB story for more about Harold.)

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Girl Scout Cookies, music, new businesses, poetry, much more for your West Seattle Friday!

February 28, 2025 9:54 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Looking toward foggy Harbor Island/West Seattle from downtown – photo by Alyssa Baker)

Friday is here! Here’s what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:

HAGOSA’S HOUSE: Scheduled opening day for this new coffee shop, until 7 pm – here’s our story from earlier this week. (4800 Delridge Way SW)

FAREWELL, HAROLD: Drop by Admiral Chevron (northwest corner of California/Admiral) 10 am-noon and bid farewell to longtime staffer Harold Chacon – this WSB story explains.

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: 10 am-11:30 am, weekly free drop-in playtime at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

BLACK HISTORY ART EXHIBIT: Visit the Washington State Black Legacy Institute‘s first major exhibit, 11 am-6 pm. (2656 42nd SW)

FREE TAX HELP: Drop-in help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 11 am-4 pm, appointments recommended.

BABY STORY TIME: Noon-12:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales start today! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots in West Seattle.

MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: This new community space and beverage business is opening at 4 pm after 3:30 pm ribboncutting – see this WSB story. (9444 Delridge Way SW)

STUDENT POETRY SALON: Be at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 5 pm for a poetry salon with Madison Middle School students.

POP-UP SOCIAL: 34th District Democrats are hosting this in Burien tonight, 5:30-8 pm, Logan Brewing Company (Burien, 510 SW 151st).

SWEET SWEET MUSIC: Concert and dessert at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm, ukuleles, choir, more. $15/door.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Deep Sea Diver album release show and signing, 7 pm, free/all ages. (4559 California SW).

‘COVENANT’: Final weekend for the current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm, tickets here.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: School of Rock bands, doors at 6 pm and music at 7 pm, details here, $10 advance, $15 door, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco tonight! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight’s slate: Very Serious, Mutual Stoke, Pink Team.

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Two local nonprofits with spaces to offer

February 28, 2025 9:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | White Center

Two local nonprofits asked us to share the news that they’re putting up spaces for lease:

DESC’S DELRIDGE SPACE: When Cascadia Fresh Market closed last month, DESC wasn’t sure immediately what they’d do with the ground-floor commercial space at Cottage Grove Commons (5444 Delridge Way SW). Now they’ve put it up for lease, with these details:

Size: 2,423 sq. ft.

About the Space: Located on the ground floor of DESC’s Cottage Grove Commons in West Seattle, this versatile 2,423-square-foot commercial space offers an open layout with a main area, restroom, and utility room. Previously used as a small grocery store, the space is ideal for office, retail, or other commercial uses.

Permitted Uses: Office, retail, or general commercial activities. (Prohibited: liquor
stores, adult stores.)

Utilities: Landlord covers water, gas, electricity, and sewer. Tenant is responsible for other utilities, including garbage, internet, and security services.

Contact for More Info: Brandon Lawton, DESC Capital Project Manager blawton@desc.org | 253-283-1932

WESTSIDE BABY: This White Center-headquartered nonprofit has some spare space too – here’s that announcement:

Are you or your organization looking for office space or do you know someone who is? WestSide Baby has administrative office space available to sublet at our White Center Hub (10002 14th Ave SW)! We hope to prioritize partners and organizations with aligned missions, but are open to talking to other businesses in our community, as well. Contact our Executive Director Allie Lindsay Johnson for more information and to schedule a tour: allie@westsidebaby.org

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Friday info

February 28, 2025 6:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:59 AM: More trouble with the low bridge.

10:57 AM: Open to traffic again.

Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, February 28, 2025

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Mostly sunny, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:50 am and 5:53 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi – Also on a regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V serving as the “bonus boat.”

ROAD WORK NOTES

-Admiral Way Bridge lane configuration is expected to change again by or during this weekend.

-The 35th SW sinkhole near Edmunds will continue narrowing the road until utility work is complete.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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