More than a year since the Seattle Department of Transportation removed public art pieces from the Ballard Bridge, it's still unclear when the sculptures will be reinstalled.

Put up in 2003, the art pieces were located atop the east and west railings at the north end of the bridge between Northwest 49th Street and Ballard Way.

Paid for mostly by city funds and an organized community group, the Ballard Gateway Committee, the series of eight sculptures representing different aspects of the community were the result of a four-year neighborhood effort to create a gateway into Ballard.

But following a windstorm in February last year, the 10-foot tall aluminum sculptures were temporarily removed after two of the pieces had come loose from their bases, said Lori Patrick, a spokesperson for the city's Office of Arts and Culture. The department maintains more than 400 public art pieces around the city.

"The artworks weren't damaged ... but as a precautionary measure, we removed all eight sculptures for inspection by a structural engineer, which revealed issues related to how the artworks were attached to their bases," said Patrick.

The city has received several inquiries from the community about when and where the sculptures will return, said Patrick.

"We do intend to reinstall the eight sculptures (in the same place)," she said. "We are on track to begin work this year, but don't yet have a target date. We're looking at the most cost-effective way to go about reinforcing and reinstalling the artworks."

Sometimes criticized for being a little too "Fremonty," each iconic sculpture depicts an aspect of Ballard's history.

One includes several large saw blades to represent Ballard's lumber past. Two blue pieces depict Scandinavian designs and others mimic a fish net. Another symbolizes boat propeller blades, reminiscent of Ballard's maritime and industrial base.

A few portray the natural environment, as well as Native American themes. The pieces were illuminated at night.

The city will work with the artists, Spokane-based Tom Askman and Lea Anne Lake, to replace the art, but a professional certified welder will need to complete the work to reinforce the sculptures' bases. The pieces are being stored at the Haller Lake maintenance facility.

The city's primary concern with re-installation is that it's done safely so the structures don't become unstable again, said Gregg Hirakawa, spokesperson for the city department of transportation.

"We don't want to put a hazard in our right of way," Hirakawa said. "In a heavy windstorm ... it's supposed to stand there and take it. Art is not supposed to create additional hazards."

Crown Hill resident Greg Trudeau noticed only a few weeks ago that the sculptures were missing. He doesn't drive over the Ballard Bridge that often, but still, he was surprised it took him so long to realize the art was gone.

"They weren't that great of pieces of art to start with," he said. "They just sort of looked like they were stuck there - but they were kind of funky."

Community activist and long-time Ballard resident Stephen Lundgren helped approve the matching fund grant for the art back in 2003. He's "irritated" the city has not put it back yet.

That art was partially paid for by a (Seattle) Department of Neighborhoods matching fund grant which I helped approve," Lundgren said, "and I want the art back, and with no excuses from Grace Crunican (director of the city's department of transportation)."

Patrick said her department has had their hands full with other restoration and conservation projects to the city's 400-plus permanently sited public artworks. Major renovations and repairs have just been completed on the Hammering Man in front of the Seattle Art Museum on First and University and on art pieces at Myrtle Edwards Park.

Trudeau is also looking forward to seeing the artwork again on his trips across the Ballard Bridge.

"I always appreciate public art because at least it's an attempt to change things," Trudeau said. "I'll be glad to see them back. They were kind of fun in their own way."

Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at rebekahs@robinsonnews.com