SEATTLE — There could be a crucial update from city leaders Tuesday on what it would take to fix the ailing West Seattle Bridge.
The bridge has been closed for months because of cracks.
The bridge's community task force will meet for the seventh time. The city said if the high span of the bridge is replaced, the company that will design it will be HNTB Corporation.
If the city decides that a full replacement is needed, it's ready to do so, especially if repair is proven to not be a practical option.
The bridge is closed through at least next year because of the cracks growing in the span, and work to stabilize it is under way.
In July, crews raised platforms that would be used to slow down the cracks in the bridge. Crews have been using epoxy to fill the cracks, and wrapping the bridge with cables and carbon fibers.
“This is first time a civil emergency has been declared about a piece of infrastructure. It really underscores the priority the city is placing on this,” said Seattle Department of Transportation director Sam Zimbabwe.
SDOT expects to determine a plan for the bridge sometime around November.
Work to stabilize the bridge is ongoing.
The task force meeting is at noon Tuesday.
Cox Media Group
