WSDOT is showing off early progress on the Ship Canal Bridge project as drivers endure delays, with a temporary construction pause planned during the World Cup.
SEATTLE — For the first time, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) gave a tour of progress on the Ship Canal Bridge project, as commuters continue to face backups.
Most of the work has taken place out of public view, but transportation officials say crews are making significant gains on upgrades aimed at improving the bridge’s long-term safety and reliability.
“Hopefully they get this done so we can move on with our lives,” said Seattle resident David Ghoddosi.
WSDOT says the project marks the first major overhaul of the bridge in more than 40 years.
So far, crews have completed 140 critical repairs, poured nearly 1,000 cubic yards of concrete, and installed a new deck, upgraded drainage and replaced aging expansion joints on the two left northbound lanes on the bridge.
Officials say the improvements are expected to extend the bridge’s lifespan by at least 25 years.
“There is no better time to do this preservation work,” said Messay Shiferaw with WSDOT.
Shiferaw said delaying the project would only make problems worse.
“If we don’t do it this year, that means you’re going to be prolonging the problem another year and then another year,” he said. “So that’s why it’s always a good idea to get the work done and get out as quickly as possible.”
Still, many drivers who rely on the busy I-5 corridor say the construction has taken a toll.
“It’s terrible, it’s terrible,” Ghoddosi said. “Trying to get through downtown, come back through downtown — it made all of our lives more stressful.”
“The traffic has been really bad,” added Seattle resident Christina Houston. “That’s all I can say is really, really bad.”
There is some relief in sight. Construction on the bridge will pause from June 8 through July 10 to accommodate an expected influx of visitors for the World Cup.
“For the World Cup, we have to have relaxation and people who are happy,” Ghoddosi said. “We want them to enjoy our beautiful city.”
After the pause, crews will resume work on the remaining northbound lanes, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project will then shift to the southbound side next year.
Overall, the work is expected to take about two years to complete.
Despite the disruptions, some drivers say the long-term benefits will be worth it.
“I think it’s worth it,” Houston said. “If it’s broken, you’ve got to fix it.”
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