SEATTLE — Construction crews are returning to the West Seattle Bridge to begin the final phase of repairing the bridge in preparation for its scheduled 2022 reopening.
Repairs have been ongoing since the bridge was closed in March 2020 when SDOT engineers found that stress cracks in the bridge were becoming severe enough to deteriorate the strength of its support columns.
“Since March 2020, our city has faced unprecedented challenges, including the closure of the West Seattle Bridge,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan at a press conference. “Because of the work at SDOT, the end is in sight to reopen the bridge in the coming months. This is an important milestone for our residents, commuters, and businesses as we urgently work to reconnect West Seattle to the greater region.”
SDOT and its construction contractor Kraemer North America have agreed on a construction schedule that will complete repairs by mid-2022, pending any unforeseen issues.
The construction contract with Kraemer estimates that costs for the final phase of repairs will be $45 million, which is consistent with previous estimates.
Following the completion of repairs, SDOT will test the bridge for strength and resiliency before reopening it to traffic. They have not yet shared a specific reopening date.
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