FOLLOWUP: 1st Avenue South Bridge lane reductions continuing TFN after ‘concerns with steel grid bridge deck’
3:20 PM: No word yet on whatever inspectors found that led to the closure of two lanes across the 1st Avenue South Bridge overnight, as reported here. We asked WSDOT for details; a spokesperson told us, “Our bridge engineers are on site today doing further assessments, after which we should be able to provide an update.” They also have opened the HOV lane to all traffic, in hopes that will reduce the potential for backups, though at “reduced speeds of 25 MPH over the bridge.” The bridge is a state-owned structure that was put to use as the major bridge across the Duwamish River during the two and a half years the West Seattle Bridge was out of service 2020-2022. It’s actually two bridges of different ages – the northbound side is older, built 70 years ago (lots of background in this story we published in 2020).
4:35 PM: More info just in from WSDOT. What the inspectors initially found, they tell WSB, was “concerns with the steel grid bridge deck. … Bridge engineers are on site conducting a more detailed assessment. It is too early to outline a repair plan or timeline, but crews are actively working to determine next steps and will share updates by March 6th.” The update we received in response to followup questions also says:
Like many structures across the system, it requires ongoing maintenance and targeted repairs to remain in service. The last significant repairs to this bridge occurred in 2020, when 14 deck panels were replaced. This lane reduction closure highlights the critical need for investment in preservation of our transportation system. Governor Ferguson proposed a $2.1 billion investment in preservation including $1.1 billion for bridges.
As for what this means if you use the bridge, WSDOT reiterates:
To protect public safety, two right lanes are closed and speed in the open lanes has been reduced to 25 mph. The HOV lane is open to all traffic until further notice to help maintain capacity. The bridge remains open and operational, including for maritime traffic, and vessel openings will continue as needed.
People traveling through the area should expect significant and ongoing delays, especially northbound into Seattle. These impacts come on top of existing lane reductions on I-5, which continue to affect regional travel.
6:31 PM: WSDOT has now issued a news release with more details on what we reported above, and a bit more background on the bridge’s most-recent challenges.
Hmmm. Wonder why they won’t say anything………Anyone remember the high bridge……
There are so many steel plate repairs in those two lanes, it seems like it was due for replacement anyway. Bummer that it will have to be done in an emergency way instead of being able to plan ahead though. Assuming it needs to be replaced because I thought that just from driving over it, before the lane closures. Maybe it’s still fixable, but I imagine replacement isn’t far behind even if they can patch it again.
I’d like to think that WSDOT builds bridge structures to last more than 28 years. Or they’re using “rebuilt” differently when their website says –
Better now, than during the FIFA traffic mess this coming summer.
Indeed. If this isn’t fixed by then, it will only exasperate the traffic headaches our region is certain to expierence during that time.
Gee, who could’a predicted a bridge would fail because of inadequate maintenance? What’s that you say, maintenance costs money? Well, we can’t have that. It would mean higher taxes. I want to spend my money on a fancy car, not on the roads I will drive it on!
The government steals more than enough of our money. They choose to misappropriate and waste our tax dollars.
To rephrase Bills comment: proactive vs reactive. Wait till it breaks then pass the blame on…
After many years of closing vehicle traffic lanes and adding bicycle lanes as Seattles priority for using taxpayers money. We now begin to feel the lack of our money to maintain roadways. Add that with license tabs having expired for years on some vehicles depleting the cities and state of highway revenue. With one of the highest tax on automobile fuel in the nation we still lack adequate funding for road and bridge repairs. Who is responsible for this? The taxpayer? Doubtful. But lets increase taxes some more which trickles down to higher housing costs and increased rent.
This is state infrastructure. Bike lanes on city streets have nothing to do with it.
Who said it was inadequate maintenance. They regularly have scheduled maintenance on the bridge. Stop with your conspiracy crap.
March 6th for an update?! That news release is very vague. I need deadlines like this when my job has a crisis.
Is the bike lane open?
Just noting for the record that Ferguon’s “$2.1 billion investment in preservation” would be paid for by debt. Issuing debt to pay for basic upkeep because we don’t reassess things like the 509 extension or the new highway in Spokane.
Does this mean the lanes will be closed until March 6 at the very earliest? I take this bridge three days a week. I leave my house at 6:30 and usually traffic is pretty chill but it was yucky on Thursday.
I’m following up further today and will ask that. For now, I’d offer the classic “plan for the worst and hope for the best” advice …
Will write the followup in a bit but:
-March 6 is because they think they’ll need two weeks to analyze everything and come up with a repair plan
-Don’t expect the lanes will reopen then, much less sooner
Thank you for the update! I appreciate it.
What I remember about the 2020 bridge work was that they planned to do more but it was going slower than anticipated and they shelved it. Anyone else remember that, or am I mistaken? I suppose the pandemic may have also played a role…