FOLLOWUP: Where the Admiral Way Bridge project stands, after sign change

(WSB photo of bridge’s topside, last night)

Earlier this week, a reader pointed out that the crudely lettered/numbered “road closed” sign at the north end of Fairmount Avenue had been amended again to show 8/28 as the projected end date of the closure. Has the Admiral Way Bridge project been delayed again? they wondered. We asked SDOT; a spokesperson confirmed their crews changed the sign, but said that’s just in what they’ve been saying for some months now, that the project will be complete “this summer”:

Yes, I can confirm that the sign is ours. The project is expected to be completed this summer. Closures under the bridge remain in place to keep everyone safe while work continues both on the bridge deck and underneath.

Right now, crews are repairing sections of cracked or broken concrete under the bridge. We’ve also started the final phase of the project by working on the bridge’s railing updates.

We understand closures can be inconvenient and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to reinforce the bridges to better withstand the potential impacts of earthquakes.

It’s been almost exactly a year since work began (here’s our update from this date last year). It wasn’t supposed to last its long, but SDOT says adding painting to the project scope stretched the timeline.

9 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Where the Admiral Way Bridge project stands, after sign change"

  • onion June 26, 2025 (4:55 pm)

    Even while stretching the definition of their summer deadline to the max, I’m assuming that resurfacing the bridge roadbed is not included in the project scope. So that will be a separate month-long roadway restriction in 2026. 

    • Curious George June 26, 2025 (8:44 pm)

      Remember the last day of summer 2025 is September 22nd 😉

  • JTinWS June 26, 2025 (5:59 pm)

    So it sounds like they’ll end up blocking Fairmount for the entire span of good summer weather for bike commuters. It’s a really unique asset for Admiral/Belvidere residents walking and biking to the water taxi and Alki trail: a pretty manageable grade; not too much car traffic; nice shade. Wild that they’re keeping it completely closed for over a year.

    • North Admiral Cyclist June 27, 2025 (5:35 am)

      JTINWS is right.  Biking from the North Admiral neighborhood to Downtown or even down to the water ((ie Harbor Ave/Alki Ave areas) is not good “outbound” on Admiral Way or California Ave.  Using Admiral Way coming back  “inbound”, that is  uphill, is better – with the bike lanes.  Fairmount has been the better alternative for many cyclists for years.  I’m surprised the city missed this for such an expensive and long lasting project.  

  • Admiral-2009 June 26, 2025 (10:47 pm)

    JTinWS – agreed and it’s getting frustrating.  On the bright side the recent work has been quieter, for a long time it was annoyingly noisy.

  • KT June 27, 2025 (10:07 am)

    I wonder if I will live long enough to see SDOT complete a project on time?  Hearing and reading this statement on an almost daily raises questions about its sincerity … We understand closures can be inconvenient and appreciate everyone’s patience .

  • Conan June 27, 2025 (3:41 pm)

    Every time we drive by, there is no one working.  Is there a reason why lanes need to be closed when Local ### aren’t on the clock?  There was a time and place for Unions…not in progressive Seattle 2025.  CM Rob Saka, please tell them to open up the lanes if the good old boys aren’t going to be working!

    • WSB June 27, 2025 (4:25 pm)

      Unless you’re driving by through the roadblock UNDER the bridge, you’re not going to see the work.

      • Derp June 27, 2025 (4:31 pm)

        Bwahhhhh,  comment of the month for sure. 

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