FOLLOWUP: Admiral Bridge work not close to completion after all; here’s what SDOT says extended the timeline

(WSB photos, this afternoon)

3:49 PM: The Admiral Way Bridge earthquake-strengthening project is still months away from completion. We’d been pursuing an update from SDOT after noticing the project webpage said they expected to wrap up within weeks; SDOT now says that was a mistake (and has corrected the project page) – their estimate for completion remains “summer,” as we’ve previously reported. Here’s what’s ahead:

Admiral Way SW (on top of the bridge)
The work zone will change periodically over the next several months, but our construction plan is to leave at least one lane of Admiral Way SW on the bridge open in each direction. Both sidewalks will also remain open throughout construction.

Fairmount Ave SW Closure (below the bridge)
Fairmount Ave SW will remain closed to all travelers throughout construction. This closure keeps everyone safe while work happens on the bridge above, and helps our crews work efficiently.

When the project started in early July of last year, the completion estimate was spring.

ADDED 7:52 PM: We asked SDOT for some info on what’s been done so far. Spokesperson Ethan Bergerson‘s reply also included their explanation why this is expected to take months longer than first projected:

The project is more than halfway complete. The following project elements are currently in progress:

-Installing carbon fiber wrapping to strengthen the bridge
-Slope stabilization
-Painting the steel structure
-Repairing cracks and damaged concrete
-Replacing the expansion joints at both ends of the bridge  

(Regarding the) previous estimate that the project would be completed in the spring. After the June 2024 factsheet was written, the project scope was expanded to include full painting of the steel structure. This extended the anticipated construction completion into the summer.

onion February 14, 2025 (4:06 pm)

Thanks, WSB. I wish they would provide more detailed updates as they did with the WS Bridge project, but I suppose that’s asking for a bit much.Also, the bridge surface is rather a mess. I assume it will be resurfaced as part of this project. I look forward to having access to Fairmount again.

WSB February 14, 2025 (11:50 pm)

I asked for more info and since your comment have added that.
John February 15, 2025 (11:49 am)

Amen to resurfacing. I really hope they repave the road when they’re all done.

Here We Go Again February 14, 2025 (4:10 pm)

Absolutely typical. I would not expect anything less.

Derp February 15, 2025 (10:15 am)

Maybe you should look at the original time frame and then make this comment again.

JW February 14, 2025 (4:14 pm)

Sdot needs to adjust the timing of the light at 41st and Admiral. Traffic backs up to past 42nd, and blocks the intersection waiting for the light to turn green.

WSB February 14, 2025 (11:50 pm)

Have you reported this to 206-684-ROAD?
CarDriver February 15, 2025 (6:08 am)

JW(WSB). I’ve reported the issues with 41st and Admiral and 47th and Admiral MANY times to that number. Most recent was Friday. So far I’ve seen NOBODY working on the controller or seen any sign the lights are working correctly. I, and others will, and need to keep calling.
newnative February 15, 2025 (12:24 pm)

regardless of the light timing, no one should be blocking the intersection.

CarDriver February 14, 2025 (4:30 pm)

Are they finding surprises or did they simply misjudge the length of time to do the work?

WSB February 14, 2025 (11:49 pm)

Please note the added info.

Admiral-2009 February 14, 2025 (5:18 pm)

Interesting because the street closed sign at the south end of Fairmont says closed until 02.28.202_. I hope the missing number is a 5 not a 6!

KT February 15, 2025 (9:38 am)

As usual.

Westsidegirl February 15, 2025 (10:15 am)

Very much appreciate this update and keeping the many residents of Admiral advised of what is going on there. I wish they would increase workers and get it done more quickly. Take West Seattle blog.!

Life isn't difficult, people make life difficult February 15, 2025 (12:52 pm)

The closure of Fairmount Ave SW has been an annoyance for many but for the 16 homes & 30+ residents it has been WONDERFUL *not* having cars speed past our houses. The vast majority of people drive 35-40+ (20mph is posted). There are no sidewalks & many potholes.

Once Fairmount reopens, I’m sure you’ll be speeding past our houses again, but in the meantime, we’re going to enjoy the quiet & peacefulness of this unique wildlife corridor, & the Barred owls calling to each other all day/night long.

Kyle February 15, 2025 (1:03 pm)

A sidewalk on Fairmount would really connect the Admiral district with the water taxi and the parks down there. I agree the road is usually to dangerous to walk with cars and darkness. But alas SDOT seems to have other priorities than basic sidewalks.
Jason February 17, 2025 (9:08 am)

1) I don’t believe 20mph is posted anywhere… but nice try.2) If they are speeding, it’s not for long or far because of the multiple speed humps on that section of road.
- WSB February 17, 2025 (9:27 am)
  
  The 20 mph limit is painted on the road.

Jason L February 26, 2025 (12:46 pm)

I guess with an this extra time, maybe they could add some bike lanes. WSB – are there any plans for this? It’s treacherous after climbing north on on SW Admiral, getting to the top of the hill, and traveling west to California. And there are “0” bike facilities traveling east and south on SW Admiral between California and the bridge. This is a major bike route that desperately needs to be improved for safety and function.

Sorry, comment time is over.