FOLLOWUP: Two questions answered after city’s Morgan Junction EV-charging lot is delayed another year

(Updated WSB photo, Morgan Junction site today, looking NE)

After Seattle City Light‘s latest updates on its long-delayed Morgan Junction EV-charging lot – originally set for 2022, now not expected before 2027 – we asked two questions. One, we’ve asked before – what was the “design flaw” that caused work to stop after it started. The other was – since SCL has kicked contractor Zenisco off the project, what’s next for getting a new one? Here are the replies we received via SCL spokesperson Kate Jacobs:

WSB: What was the structural design flaw?

SCL: Site conditions and work-quality issues on the part of the contractor required City Light to adjust the design of the east wall, which is a protective barrier between the site and the alley. The redesign is complete.

WSB: Do you have to go out to bid again to get the new contractor?

SCL: To protect Seattle’s investments, the City requires contractors to carry a bond guaranteeing the work is completed as outlined in the contract. When we fired the contractor, the company that issued the bond became responsible for ensuring the project’s completion, including determining how a new contractor is selected. We are awaiting that decision.

Jacobs added one other point of note: “This project will undergo an in-depth review to determine how we can apply lessons learned to help prevent similar situations on future projects.”

The EV lot is planned to have eight chargers available for public use (paid, not free) at a former substation site at 4118 SW Morgan,

Ookla the Mok September 15, 2026 (12:06 pm)

This whole project is a microcosm of everything that is wrong with how Seattle government operates.

WS Res September 15, 2026 (2:59 pm)

They took the lowest bid as mandated by voters, contractor wasn’t delivering, city held contractor accountable for failure to deliver and turfed them which kicked the matter over to the bond company that the city wisely required be involved…. what’s your beef, again?
ColumbiaChris September 15, 2026 (3:02 pm)

A giant waste of money for 8 parking spots that would have been much better spent on subsidizing at-home chargers.
- Brandon September 16, 2026 (2:20 am)
  
  Better yet, not being spent at all?

Actualperson September 15, 2026 (12:17 pm)

Love the last point that the city “will apply lessons learned to help prevent similar situations”. Um no. Guarantee WSB and other media outlets will continue into the future reporting city bungles with taxpayers holding the expensive bag.

actualbot September 15, 2026 (1:37 pm)

So – would you be happier if the City of Seattle didn’t try to apply lessons learned?
- Actualperson September 15, 2026 (3:21 pm)
  
  Bot. I would be ecstatic if they actually did. Do you really believe, with their track record that they actually will?
- West Side September 15, 2026 (10:56 pm)
  
  That’s just it. They don’t apply any lessons learned. This type of stuff happens all the time here.

Erik September 15, 2026 (1:14 pm)

Frankly, the bond company being responsible for completion is probably for the best. My guess is that they will complete it faster than our incompetent SCL would.

elephant_in_the_room September 15, 2026 (1:32 pm)

Are we sure thieves aren’t going to nick the copper once the charging equipment is installed? The EV chargers in front of the DOL office in Delridge are inoperable because the charging cables were cut.

Kyle September 15, 2026 (3:08 pm)

This is never getting done. I look forward to the finger pointing in 3 months when no new contractor is still not selected

22blades September 15, 2026 (3:32 pm)

This is just as much an indictment of the construction industry as the city properly bidding out a project. It’s not even a funny joke that a proper bid can be submitted. I can’t think of a single project remotely on time, on budget or not requiring a major redux. They either lowball it to get in the door or take a leap in faith as to their abilities.

Dysfunction September 15, 2026 (5:48 pm)

Meanwhile in China they are building out a electric infrastructure including charging stations at a truly breathtaking pace. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like China as they are a enemy of us, but they are leaving the world behind in the technological race and the pace they get mega projects done. Look up the Chinese BYD corporation. They are completely taking over the EV market by being smart enough to make everything in house with fully automated factories. Really a remarkable company that is building out charging stations that the US can’t complete at a fraction of the scale. You can guarantee they aren’t getting tripped up in a simple 8 station site

NeverGoingToHappen September 16, 2026 (8:59 am)

I knew back when this project was proposed that it would never see completion. It’s too useful of an idea for the city to actually see it completed.We have streets that haven’t been paved in 30+ years. They’re wearing through the stones in the aggregate. I’ve driven on smoother gravel roads than sections of 35th. It’s truly embarrassing how this city is so poorly maintained.

WS Guy September 16, 2026 (11:32 am)

When was the last time you saw a Seattle politician run on well maintained infrastructure, let alone win?

Jaded In West Seattle September 21, 2026 (6:21 pm)

This is yet another Seattle project in the waste bin. We can put it there with the “light rail” y’all still believe is coming here in your lifetimes. Don’t believe me? Check back with me around this time next year. And the year after. After all, there are more bike and bus lanes that need to be painted out.Our version of the Light rail will continue to be the bus. Wake up. This is a feature, not a bug. The mayor has different priorities than we had way back in 2022.Just give me my share of the money to pay for the charging station I installed because I got tired of waiting for Seattle.

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