January 2013
- Our next full weekend closure will be on Feb. 15-19.
- See photos of the work, including the noise shack! (one of the ways we help put a lid on construction noise.)
- Print this flyer (pdf 208kb) to stay on top of all weekend closures.
- See locations of each weekend closure in this color coded map (pdf 543kb). Construction began in early January and will last through April 2013.
- Bothered by construction noise? Let us know: 206-440-4DOT (4368)
Traffic alert:
This project requires 9 weekend closures on ramps to and from the West Seattle Bridge, and 2 weekend lane closures on northbound I-5 near Georgetown. Work will be phased to reduce the impact on West Seattle drivers.
See locations of each weekend closure in this color coded map . Construction lasts from January through April 2013.
Crews are replacing 31 expansion joints on the ramps that connect West Seattle, Columbian Way, Spokane Street and I-5.
Expansion joints link together concrete bridge slabs in a way that allows the bridge to bend and flex with heavy, uneven traffic and the annual freeze/thaw cycle. expansion joints stretch across all lanes of the highway or bridge.
The current expansion joints are more than 50 years old and are failing at a high rate. Failing expansion joints can lead to collisions, emergency closures and expensive emergency repairs.
The project will require a series of weekend closures on ramps that link West Seattle and Beacon Hill to I-5.
Print this flyer to stay on top of the closures.
The closures will be coordinated with other projects in the area, including the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement, to minimize delays as much as possible. Signed detours will be in place.
Work will take place on the following bridges:
- Northbound I-5 near Corson Ave.
- The ramp from the West Seattle Bridge to southbound I-5.
- The ramp from westbound Columbian Way to the West Seattle Bridge.
- The ramp from the West Seattle Bridge to eastbound Columbian Way.
- The off-ramp from northbound I-5 to 6th Ave./Spokane Street.
- This work is unrelated to a similar project that was completed in the same area in the summer of 2007.
Why is WSDOT
repairing expansion joints on I-5 near Spokane Street?
An expansion joint is a large steel section of the roadway that connects two bridges, allowing them to move and flex with the varying weather conditions and traffic loads.
The original steel expansion joints on these bridges are breaking up and allowing water and contaminates to flow onto the bottom of the girder, which is leading to the deterioration of the concrete and steel underneath the bridge.
Additionally, the steel plate coverings on top of the roadway are coming apart, are loose or have been completely removed due to age and heavy traffic.
The gaps created by a failing expansion joint can lead to collisions.
The End Result
New, watertight expansion joints will better protect against deteriroation and extend the life of the roadway. The new expansion joints will be less likely to fail, which is expected to improve safety for drivers.
Crews also will replace bottom slab sections of the deteriorating girders.
Project Benefits
- Safety - new expansion joints will be less likely to fail.
- Maintenance - stronger expansion joints will require less maintenance.
- Preservation - new, stronger expansion joints extend the life of the roadway.
What is the project timeline?
- July 2, 2012 - This project as advertised to contractors.
- August 15, 2012 - This project was awarded to Mowatt Construction, Inc.
- Jan. 4, 2013 - Construction begins.
- April 30, 2013 - Expected completion.
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
$4.5 million - pre-existing funds
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Aleta Borschowa
WSDOT Project Engineer - Construction
206-768-5862
borscha@wsdot.wa.gov
Broch Bender
WSDOT Communications
206-440-4699
BenderB@wsdot.wa.gov
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