Information from Seattle Department of Transportation

In June 2022, we completed assembling the cable ducts and temporary supports for the post-tensioning system. The cable ducts create a system to hold and protect the steel cables used for post-tensioning. We also completed the initial phase of carbon fiber wrapping. Watch our latest progress video to see more. 

This week marked major progress for the West Seattle Bridge final repairs. After we finished installing the nearly 250,000 feet of steel cable needed for the new post-tensioning system inside the bridge last week, we started the process of tightening the post-tensioning system by pulling on the cables with hydraulic equipment. This type of equipment is fitted over the steel cables and uses a highly pressured liquid to strongly pull and tighten each cable.

We completed the first phase of the tensioning process earlier this week by tightening each steel cable to about 20% of its final tension force. We are tightening each cable in a specific sequence to ensure that the bridge structure is compressed evenly and consistently throughout the process.

We’re now increasing the tensioning so that the steel cables are tightened to 100% of their final tension force.

Once the cables are fully tensioned, we’ll begin our final phase of epoxy crack injection and carbon-fiber wrapping work.

We use hydraulic equipment to tighten each steel cable, as shown in this photo above. Once the cables are fully tensioned the concrete in the bridge structure will be stronger than ever.

As the steel cables are pulled through the hydraulic equipment, we measure them to ensure that the bridge structure is compressed evenly and consistently throughout the process.

We also completed more maintenance work on and near the bridge this week. This included setting the replacement sign structures, demolishing and replacing concrete panels on the western approach to the bridge structure, and continuing concrete pours on the Fauntleroy Expressway.

Construction in West Seattle and South Park this weekend 

On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be repairing sidewalks and building curb ramps on 37th Ave SW and Fauntleroy Way SW. We’ll begin working as early as 8 AM and conclude by 4 PM. During this work, we’ll need to close a northbound travel lane. People driving should anticipate delays while traveling in the area.

Also on Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 5 PM, we’ll be paving the eastern side of 35th Ave SW between SW Morgan St and SW Holly St. Traffic impacts include closing one lane in each direction. Parking will also be restricted while we complete this work. Please navigate the area with caution. 

Last weekend, we completed the paving project on Myers Way S near the intersection with Olson Pl SW.

On Saturday, we’ll continue updating signal lights on 7th Ave S and S Cloverdale St in South Park. We do not expect significant impacts to travelers because we’ll be working from the side street on 7th Ave S.

Question of the week: What is the best way to stay updated on the West Seattle Bridge reopening timeline?

The best way to stay informed about the West Seattle Bridge reopening timeline is to sign up for our weekly Friday emails, which if you’re reading this you’ve probably already done! Share this email sign-up link with a friend, neighbor, coworker, family member, or anyone who you think would like to stay updated on the West Seattle Bridge Program.

You can also stay updated by visiting the SDOT Blog, following SDOT on Facebook and Twitter, or by reading the “What’s Happening Now” sections of our webpages.