Graphic showing the temporary, intermittent road closure on the Terminal 5 Bridge and a temporary lane reduction on West Marginal Way S near the Terminal 5 Bridge. Graphic courtesy of SDOT
information from Seattle Department of Transportation
Starting on December 9, the Port of Seattle will conduct live load testing for the Terminal 5 (T5) bridge. Live load testing entails installing sensors on the bridge and running a truck (with a known weight and axle spacing) across the bridge. The information the Port receives from the sensors can be used to understand how the bridge responds to vehicle loads and ultimately to determine the bridge load rating.
Upcoming short-term T5 Bridge closure
Crews will close the T5 Bridge intermittently to vehicle traffic from Wednesday, December 9, through Sunday, December 13, between the hours of 7 AM to 4 PM. The bridge will be completely open to traffic after work is done for the day at 4 PM.
Upcoming short-term lane closure on W Marginal Way SW
On Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, one lane of W Marginal Way SW, just north of the Low Bridge (SW Spokane Street Bridge—see map), will be closed between 7 AM and 4 PM. The single-lane closure will allow the Port of Seattle to gain access to the underside of the segment of the bridge that crosses over W Marginal Way SW and to install sensors for the live load testing.
A regular bridge “check-up”
Generally, we conduct live load testing to evaluate how weight is distributed along a bridge when a vehicle is on it. A bridge load rating helps us establish an accurate weight capacity for the bridge by current standards, which is important to keeping users safe and maximizing the lifespan of the bridge. Updated bridge load ratings are required for all Federal Highway Administration bridges by the end of 2022 to account for changes in the sizes and weights of vehicles seen on roadways over the years. Live load testing is the most appropriate method of determining that rating for this bridge. With this information, the Port of Seattle can determine appropriate usage and any potential next steps for the bridge.
The Port of Seattle is conducting this work with support from SDOT crews. It’s a routine part of bridge maintenance and has no correlation to the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge closure or the operations of the Low Bridge (SW Spokane Street Bridge).
Questions about our work?
Email us at westseattlebridge@seattle.gov or call (206) 400-7511
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