Summary

After months of work in the Duwamish River on the foundation for a new South Park Bridge, a new phase is beginning that will be much more visible to passers-by

Story

After months of work in the Duwamish River on the foundation for a new South Park Bridge, a new phase is beginning that will be much more visible to passers-by -- construction of the two bridge approaches, bridge supports, girders, and the new bridge deck and rails.

"One year after our coalition secured funding for a new bridge, South Park residents can now see for themselves the work that's well underway," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "As construction ramps up on both sides of the river, the community will have a front-row seat to witness a new bridge rise above the waters of the Duwamish.

"At the height of construction next fall, as many as 120 workers will be on the job, bringing activity that will boost South Park businesses," added the Executive.

Construction has been proceeding on schedule, and the addition of a second weekday shift and a day shift on Saturdays has brought more workers to South Park. More than 50 construction workers continue to perform excavation work for the placement of new piers. By next spring, the piers will have reached a depth of 70 to 100 feet below the riverbed - the equivalent of a seven to ten-story building.

The contractor has kept construction noise to a minimum by shrouding the equipment with barriers that contain the sound. Meanwhile, plans are being made for demolition of the remaining bridge structure and control tower in the second half of 2012.

The replacement South Park Bridge is expected to be completed and open to traffic in the fall of 2013.

Watch the South Park Bridge construction via three live cams at
www.kingcounty.gov/southparkbridge