Press Release: The West Seattle Bridge will reopen on September 18
We are in the final stages of repairs and testing, and we are excited to reopen the bridge. We know the closure has created big challenges. Thank you for your patience and resilience.
When the West Seattle Bridge reopens, we will lift all restrictions on the Spokane Street Swing Bridge (low bridge). It will take some time to remove restriction signs and markings, but beginning September 18, the low bridge will be open for all to use. After the reopening, we will also remove detour route signs and you should see neighborhood traffic return to normal levels in the following weeks.
Safety is our #1 priority
We will complete comprehensive testing before reopening the West Seattle Bridge. Plus, we have a robust monitoring system in place with instruments that provide real-time details and alerts to staff overseeing the performance of the bridge.
Bridge repairs included three key procedures: epoxy injections to fill cracks, carbon-fiber wrapping to add strength, and post-tensioning with steel cables to compress the concrete. Together, these methods rehabilitated the entire structure and will keep the bridge safe for decades to come.
How are you getting around?
In 2020, we asked people who live or work in West Seattle to identify transportation challenges in the wake of the West Seattle Bridge closure. Community input informed the improvements we made and now we’re following up to learn how these investments helped you get around.
Learn more about the bridge repairs
Check out the videos below to learn more about the bridge repairs. You can also watch our full collection of repair videos on our YouTube Channel.
West Seattle Bridge Program
From repairing the West Seattle Bridge, to rehabilitating the Spokane St Swing Bridge, to improving access to the low bridge for different users - and implementing more than 195 traffic mitigation projects to help make it easier and safer to get in and around West Seattle - the West Seattle Bridge Program is a major effort making improvements to infrastructure and in our communities. Let us help you navigate all the various projects that are happening as part of the program.
