by Jack Mayne

Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin says financing for a new South Park Bridge is 75 percent complete thanks to money promised from the Seattle City Council and other public resources.

“In mid-June all nine members of the (Seattle) City Council have signed a letter to King County Executive Dow Constantine pledging $15 million towards replacing the South Park Bridge,” Conlin wrote in his newsletter. “This was the first concrete pledge towards meeting . . . Constantine’s goal of funding the replacement. The King County Council quickly added $30 million in county funds, and the State, Port, and Puget Sound Regional Council have added another $52 million in pledges.

“Together, these pledges make up almost 75 percent of the $130.8 million estimated cost of the project,” he said. “Given the favorable contracting environment, it is quite possible that the county will be able to go out to bid if the federal government can be persuaded to add $20 to $30 million.”

The bridge was closed on June 30 because the 80-year old bridge was damaged beyond repair during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. Because the bridge spans a navigable waterway, it must be left open until it is removed so that shipping from upstream on the Duwamish River can move to and from Elliott Bay. Drivers from Burien and White Center and beyond must either use First Avenue South or another route into Seattle.

Attempts to get money from federal financial stimulus programs have so far failed.

Conlin says he is proud the Seattle City Council was the first to make a “concrete commitment” for money to replace the bridge. In addition, the councilmember says Seattle has “sponsored action” by the Puget Sound Regional Council for an additional $9 million “from out share of a possible future federal jobs bill, and the City has spent nearly $1 million in support of King County’s environmental review and design of the replacement bridge.”

He said the Council is “also promising to not submit or support any competing applications” future federal stimulus grants.

The Seattle City Council President says the City does not have an identifiable source for the $15 million it has pledged, and he suggests it could come from a voter approved bond issue known as Bridging The Gap, a fund used for special project including filling Seattle’s plethora of potholes, a fund already used by a mayor and Council grasping for money to fill a huge budget gap.

“There will always be competing priorities, but we are making this commitment because the South Park community needs our help and support,” Conlin says. “The South Park Bridge also plays a critical role in freight mobility and economic vitality for the city and region. The Council believes that Seattle must not only ensure the economic health of Seattle and our neighborhoods, but play a positive role in ensuring regional prosperity.”

The bridge is on a County island and is County property. The City has indicated an interest in annexing the unincorporated area, but only after the County replaces the bridge.

by Ralph Nichols

The long-dreaded day of reckoning for commuters who used South Park Bridge across the Duwamish Waterway – many of them for decades – arrived on June 30 when it was closed forever to vehicle traffic at the end of the afternoon commute.

And with another $61 million still needed for the project to demolish the 79-year-old draw span and build a new bridge connecting 14th Ave. S. and 16th Ave. S., efforts by King County officials continue to cobble together a funding package totaling $131 million.

King County, which owns the bridge, is expected to apply in August for a federal TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant for the rest of the money.

Only a fraction of the funds needed was available until recently. An 11th-hour flurry of pledges from state and local sources generated $70 million in recent weeks for the demolition/construction project.

But even if the county had all the money in the bank right now, it would take about three and a half years before a new drawbridge could be completed and open to traffic.

King County, faced with a multi-million-dollar revenue shortfall, has pledged $30 million for construction of a new South Park Bridge.

The State of Washington, faced with an estimated $3 billion shortfall, has pledged another $20 million.

And the city of Seattle, also facing major budget problems, has pledged $15 million.

The Port of Seattle has pledged an additional $5 million.

Gov. Chris Gregoire, announcing the state’s participation in replacing the bridge, said, “The South Park Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for the region’s ability to move freight, but it’s also the primary physical and symbolic connection to one of King County’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.

“The efforts by the region to find a way to replace this aging bridge is an example of how government and the community can work together to make a difference. I’m proud that the state is going to be a part of this partnership with our $20 million commitment.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine thanked the state along with the city and the port, “for all stepping up and making significant contributions toward the replacement of this transportation lifeline for King County and the broader region.

“This shows that regional cooperation and strong partnerships can create success where the old way of going it alone has failed,” added Constantine, who has been working with governments and businesses to put together a funding package for a new bridge.

District 8 King County Councilwoman Jan Drago, who represents the South Park area as well as Burien, has noted that additional funding partners locally increase the chances of getting federal funding for the project.

The city of Tukwila already has pledged $1.3 toward construction and another $1.7 million for maintenance of a new bridge.

Contributions of land for the right-of-way to build it, which total $5.4 million, have been made by the Puget Sound Regional Council, The Boeing Company, the Port of Seattle, and the King County road fund.

Those most affected by the closure are emergency responders and commuters – including riders on Metro routes 60, 131 and 134 – who travel between Burien or Des Moines and the Boeing facilities in Georgetown or downtown Seattle.

The long-term impact of the closure is not yet clear, but traffic is more crowded on the alternate routes – SR-509 and Highway 99 over the 1st Ave. S. Bridge, and Tukwila International Blvd./E. Marginal Way S. – during morning and afternoon commutes.

South Park Bridge carried 20,000 vehicles across the Duwamish Waterway daily.

Local and state officials have long known that South Park Bridge needed to be replaced due to structural problems that imperiled public safety, and to unreliable mechanical and electrical systems that threatened to interrupt both street and marine traffic.

Built in 1931, the bridge served as a vital link in an important freight corridor for manufacturing and industrial centers in south Seattle, and a regional connector to Sea-Tac International Airport, Boeing Field and the Port of Seattle.

For more information courtesy King County, click here (PDF file).

Just received word that there’s a wake being planned for the night that the South Park Bridge “closes” for good, on Wednesday, June 30th, beginning at 6pm.

Despite the City of Seattle, King County and the Port of Seattle pledging some $50 million toward a new bridge, then Gov. Chris Gregoire kicking in another $20 mil, for a grand total so far of $70 million, the structure is still closing. $130 million is needed to build a replacement, but the recent influx of pledges shows that it may very well happen.

More info available at the All About South park website, but here’s what’s scheduled:

• 6:30 – 6:45pm: Duwamish Tribal Drums will cross the bridge (Proceeded or followed by residents and friends of the bridge)
• 6:59 – 7pm: Moment of silence. The raising of the glass (farewell, friend, farewell) – Tears begin
• 7 – 7:20pm: Bag-Pipers pipe for the final raising of the leaves
• 7:30 – 8pm: New Orleans Funeral Band (Pony Boy Antiphonal Street Band) Performs
• 8 – 8:30pm: Latino Roots/folk band (Trio Lucero del Norte) plays
• 9 – 9:30pm: Baby Gramps Blues plays

More info available at a Facebook Page set up for the event.

by Ralph Nichols

The scheduled June 30 closure of the aging South Park Bridge means big changes are looming for motorists – and Metro bus riders – who regularly cross over it.

Among those most affected will be commuters, including riders on Metro routes 60, 131 and 134, who travel between White Center, Burien or Des Moines and the Boeing facilities in Georgetown or downtown Seattle.

Jack Lattemann, from the Metro Transit Division of the King County Department of Transportation, updated the Burien City Council on May 24 about Metro’s plans for rerouting bus schedules to accommodate traffic disruptions caused by the permanent bridge closure.

Lattemann, a senior transportation planner, said the South Park Bridge is “at the end of its useful life,” and must be closed by King County, which owns and operates the draw span, “to protect public safety.”

The bridge will close to all traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians, on Wednesday, June 30, at 7 p.m.

Traffic will be rerouted on SR-509 and Highway 99 over the 1st Ave. S. Bridge, and on Tukwila International Blvd./E. Marginal Way S.

He said the county transportation department will monitor the impact of additional traffic on SR-509 and the 1st Ave. S. Bridge. The primary concern, however, is not higher traffic volumes but the impact the bridge closure could have on emergency response times.

King County lacks funding at this time to pay for an estimated $130 million replacement for the bridge, including demolition of the current structure, which carries about 20,000 vehicles a day on 14th Ave. S./16th Ave. S. across the Duwamish Waterway.

Even if the money were available now, Lattemann said building a new span would take about three and a half years. A study determined it is impractical to build a temporary bridge until funding becomes available.

Built in 1931, the South Park Bridge is an important freight corridor for manufacturing and industrial centers in Seattle, and a regional connector to Sea-Tac International Airport, Boeing Field and the Port of Seattle.

It also provides a convenient commuter route for many residents of Burien, Des Moines, Boulevard Park and White Center.

Compounding structural problems, which imperil public safety, are unreliable mechanical and electrical systems that open and close the bridge, Lattemann told the council.

The faulty systems frequently cause delays in draw span operations, resulting in delays for both vehicles on the street and marine traffic – and should be bridge not be able to operate south of the bridge.

A current update by county transportation department notes that concrete in the bridge support structure, which has withstood three major earthquakes, “is undergoing a self-destructive process that cannot be reversed or repaired. The heavily cracked piers are not stable and shift on their foundations.”

Lattemann said in selecting alternative routes for the affected bus service, Metro Transit considered maintaining neighborhood coverage, minimizing travel time for riders, and minimizing increases in operating costs.

Here are some route info maps as created by King County’s DOT – click on images to view larger versions:

For more information, click here to download a summary doc (as a PDF file), which includes maps and other details.

While not quite a memorial, there will be an Open House public meeting about the closure of the South Park Bridge and its impact on the local community on Tuesday, May 25th from 6pm – 8pn at the Machinists Hall at 9125 15th Place South in Seattle.

The meeting will also include a formal presentation and Q&A session starting at 6:30pm.

During the open house and presentation, the King County DOT, representatives from the city of Seattle and other service providers will provide an overview of key actions that will be taken in response to input from residents and businesses in the area. With the June 30 closure of the bridge just weeks away, several actions have been identified to help keep traffic moving while supporting local business needs. Those steps include:

• Adding a signal at the southbound onramp to SR-509 at South Cloverdale Street and 1st Ave. South to relieve traffic congestion;
• The installation of signage to help channel motorists through the area and around the bridge after it closes;
• Working with the South Park community to develop ongoing strategies to support neighborhood business and commerce; and
• Making channelization improvements to key arterials such as 14th/16th Ave. South and East Marginal Way.

Impacts to King County Metro Transit service have also been a major concern for bus riders in South Park and Georgetown. In response to comments from the public, Metro will present revised options for continued service once the bridge is closed. Based on extensive research and input from riders and coordination with the city of Seattle, the reroutes represent the best short-term option for continued service to the South Park and Georgetown neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, King County Executive Dow Constantine continues to lead a broad-based coalition of public and private stakeholders to secure critical funding for eventual construction of a new bridge. Recently, the executive traveled to Washington D.C. to seek support for federal funding to help pay for construction of a new South Park Bridge.

The South Park Bridge suffers from widespread steel corrosion, crumbling concrete piers and an outdated electrical control system. The main drawbridge piers are also unstable. The condition of the bridge is so poor it now has an engineering sufficiency rating of 4 out of a possible 100, making it the worst heavily traveled bridge in the state of Washington.

And a recently released independent engineering report has additionally confirmed that the bridge must be closed on June 30.

“While closure of the South Park Bridge is necessary, we all recognize the difficult challenges and adjustments that lie ahead,” King County Road Services Division Director Linda Dougherty said. “But thanks to the many constructive and thoughtful comments we have received from citizens and the dedicated involvement of community leaders, we have identified several actions we hope will ease the burden on this vibrant community.”

For more information about the meeting, call the South Park Bridge Closure Line at (206) 263-9979. You can also learn more about the meeting and planning for the upcoming closure of the South Park Bridge by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/southparkbridge.

WCB Reader William Pease tells us that a local group called “Friends of the South Park Bridge” will be holding a rally they’re calling “Hands Across the Duwamish,” Saturday around 1:30pm, where participants will hold hands and (hopefully) span the distance of the South Park Bridge as a show of support for the structure, which is scheduled to close at the end of June.

They’re projecting that it will take about 332 people to make the connection, and are spreading the word to get folks to show up.

The hand-holding rally will be Saturday, April 17th, at 1:30pm, right after the “Duwamish Alive” activities.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Hands Across the Duwamish.” In an effort to raise awareness of the imminent closure of the South Park Bridge we will be forming a line on the sidewalk holding hands and hopefully spanning the distance between where Seattle ends on the North side and where Seattle begins again on the South side. It should take about 332 people to make the connection.

WHEN: Saturday April 17th at 1:30 PM (After the Duwamish Alive activities).

WHO: Friends of the South Park Bridge.

INFO: The South Park Bridge is scheduled to be closed permanently on June 30th at 7:00 PM. There is no current funding plan to replace it. King County is the owner of the bridge, but it is well known to most that it is a bridge that goes from Seattle and to Seattle. Most people in Seattle are unaware of the plight of the bridge, and (too) many are even unaware that there is a river in Seattle. We hope to make use of the one time a year when the residents North of the river come down and work on clean-up projects.

There will be a rally at the South Park Bridge on Sunday, March 28th from 2pm – 3pm, and people are encouraged to bring signs and show up to support efforts to save this bridge, which is slated to be closed at the end of June.

Ralliers will meet at 2pm in the parking lot of the former County Line Restaurant, which is located at the south end of the South Park Bridge, at 8456 Dallas Ave South.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Rally at South Park Bridge.

WHEN: Sunday, March 28th from 2:00pm – 3:30pm.

WHERE: Meet at the parking lot of the former County Line Restaurant, which is located at the south foot of the South Park Bridge, located at 8456 Dallas Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108.

INFO: From a Facebook Event Page:

Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are visiting the The Boeing Machinist’s Hall this Sunday in South Park at 3 p.m. to celebrate the Health Care Reform Victory. This is a perfect opportunity for a friendly demonstration/rally to bring attention to the South Park Bridge’s eminent closure and the importance of garnering funding.

We are meeting at the parking lot of the former County Line Restaurant (address above) which is located at the south foot of the South Park Bridge.

We plan to meet and group at 2 p.m. and then proceed from there. We are not planning on blocking traffic or creating any problems, just a friendly showing of support and a plea for help. We will hopefully also garner some “sloppy seconds” media attention from the meeting at the the Boeing Machinist’s Hall.

Please bring signs if possible, the bigger and brighter the better!

After the “rally” we will all meet at Loretta’s in South Park to celebrate our positive showing of civic expression.

From Bill Pease:

As the impending closure date creeps up on us, there will be plenty of opportunities to come out and honor, and plead, and mourn for the bridge.

This is a window of opportunity for us get the message out again and again. When the bridge closes we won’t be able to get the same traction.

The first opportunity is going to be this coming Sunday; Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell will be coming into South Park to celebrate the Health Care Reform victory and I plan on being on the bridge with a sign.

Of course a GROUP of people would garner more attention.

Who is with me?

White Center’s own Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy, owner of the Triangle Pub and now a candidate for the 34th District Legislative seat being vacated by Sharon Nelson, released a statement about the closure of the South Park Bridge on Monday (Mar. 15th).

The bridge, which, as we reported Feb. 17th, will be closed at the end of June because the latest round of federal stimulus money grants did NOT include any for it, and according to the King County website:

Several studies have shown that the condition of the bridge warrants major rehabilitation or replacement.

Here’s Mac’s statement:

“The planned South Park Bridge closing is a glaring example of how voters in our legislative district are being under represented. My issue is not with the legislators who represent our local districts. Nor is it with their representatives, who “informed” the residents of South Park that their bridge is being closed on June 30, 2010. My issue is primarily with the fact that there is currently NO PLAN to mitigate the effects of the bridge closure on South Park, White Center, Burien, West Seattle, Tukwila or Seattle.

“We elect officials whom we expect will represent our interests. We vote for taxes that will pay for the programs that we believe are important. Our system of government is based upon the idea of representation and in this particular instance the voices of the people were not heard. In spite of a groundswell of community concern, there is no bridge, no plan, and currently no help being offered.

“In this moment it is important that we insure that our elected officials come up with a plan for how traffic is going to be routed, how emergency services are going to be provided, and how Seattle and Tukwila are going to work together to develop a traffic plan for everyone’s benefit. Whether I am elected or not, I pledge to work with our communities to come up with a plan to mitigate the closure of the South Park Bridge. It is time for solutions and results. We can deal with politics later.”

On Wednesday (Feb. 17th), King County Executive Dow Constantine vowed to continue pursuing federal funding for replacement of the county’s South Park Bridge, located just down the hill from White Center.

Constantine will need to do this because the latest round of federal stimulus money grants does NOT include any for this bridge, which is now scheduled to be closed down at the end of June.

According to Publicola:

“The latest round of TIGER (federal stimulus money) grants … includes $30 million in funding for the $200 million Mercer project … they skipped over a request from King County to replace the deteriorating South Park Bridge, which links South Park and White Center to the Duwamish industrial area and downtown Seattle across the Duwamish River.”

“I am very disappointed for the people of King County that our application for federal stimulus funding to replace the South Park Bridge was not approved,” Constantine said in a statement.

Constantine also added:

“While the bridge competed against a lot of other worthy projects, replacing this key transportation link is imperative to the economic health of affordable, diverse neighborhoods and the hundreds of industrial businesses that depend on direct vehicular access to State Route 99 and Interstate 5. It may not be a glamorous or high-profile project, but it’s one that is vitally important to our economy and our society.”

“I am determined to pursue funding for this project through future TIGER grant cycles, the jobs bill, other federal appropriations, and the state Legislature. I thank Senator Patty Murray and the Washington delegation for their unwavering support of federal funding for this project. It’s my hope that their hard work will keep the South Park Bridge near the top of the list in future funding cycles.”

“I will also keep working with the King County Council to explore funding options that can provide a local match to federal funding opportunities for this and other unfunded projects around the county.”

“Under the Road Services Division budget adopted by the Council last fall, the bridge is scheduled to be closed at the end of June, and eventually removed.”

And not to be out-disappointed, Councilmember Jan Drago released the following statement Wed. afternoon:

“I was disappointed to learn that the South Park Bridge project did not receive any federal stimulus grant money. While I am glad to see that the hard work and coordination at all levels of government did reap some rewards by way of $30 million in federal dollars for the Mercer Street project—a critical regional connection that will bring much needed jobs and economic stimulus to our area—we have scores of other infrastructure projects in King County and throughout the Puget Sound region that lack funding.

“I look forward to working with the King County Executive, my fellow Councilmembers, the city of Seattle and our state and federal leaders on solutions for the South Park Bridge project that will protect the safety of all drivers, and provide freight capacity for the Duwamish area.”

King County Councilmember Drago represents the communities of West Seattle, North Highline, Vashon and Maury islands, Burien, Normandy Park, SoDo, International District/Chinatown, Pioneer Square, West Beacon Hill, and portions of SeaTac, Tukwila and West Hill.

King County’s Department of Transportation will be closing the South Park Bridge daily from 7am to 7pm beginning Wednesday, Feb. 10th, and continuing through Saturday, Feb. 13th.

Workers will be conducting a “test pile operation,” and closure of the structure will be required. The 78-year old bridge is suffering from deterioration, and needs to be replaced.

In technical terms though, King County’s website clears it all up by saying that it’s going to…

Conduct a NEPA/SEPA EIS to study design and construction alternatives for the bridge.

The EIS will include an historical resource survey and documentation.

Conduct engineering design of the preferred bascule bridge alternative. Bridge replacement will follow the EIS and design if construction funding for this project is secured.

King County says they’re doing this work because the condition of the bridge “warrants major rehabilitation or replacement.”

If you’ve ever driven over it, or passed under it, we’re sure you’ll agree.

Federal, state, and King County officials will meet Friday morning at 10:30am next to the crumbling South Park Bridge to mark the final step in the pre-construction planning to replace the 78-year-old span over the Duwamish River.

In September, King County submitted an application for a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The county and its project partners are requesting $99 million toward the replacement cost of the bridge. The grants will be awarded early next year.

According to a press release:

“…representatives from King County, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Washington State Department of Transportation will sign off on the final environmental review and talk about what’s next for the project.”

Right there next to the bridge.

Rain or shine.

Supposedly.

Here are the details if you want to go monitor ‘em:

WHAT: A bunch of officials doing a photo op next to the South Park Bridge

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 18th at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Southwest side of the South Park Bridge, 14th Avenue South & South Orr Street, Seattle