This past weekend we hoisted the first two of four hanging work platforms to the underside of the West Seattle Bridge so our team can work on the exterior of the bridge during the final phase of repairs this year. The lifts began on Saturday, January 8 at 8 AM and were completed at around 3 PM.

Check out our time-lapse video of the work platform lift

The work platforms are essential for our final phase of bridge rehabilitation because they provide temporary workspace for crews to use while they inject epoxy to seal cracks and wrap carbon-fiber for added strength on the underside of the bridge. The platforms are being positioned in four locations, approximately 120 feet above ground. They help provide safe access for crews to complete bridge repairs in advance of re-opening the bridge in mid-2022.

To lift the platforms, crews used industrial winches (devices used to adjust cable tension to support the lifting process) from the bridge deck to pull the platform into place from the ground. Workers used these winches to lift the platforms using metal cables that were fed through small openings on the bridge deck, which crews had previously created using high-pressure water jets. Crews then secured them to the bridge using rigging cables that were installed last month.

The process for installing these work platforms began with the assembly of metal beams at the base of the high bridge. Each of the platforms requires 13 beams fastened together to create a strong and stable foundation. After assembling the metal beams, we installed decking where workers will stand while they repair the bridge. The work platforms also include railings to help keep crews safe while they work on the high bridge repairs.

Now that the first two work platforms have been hoisted into position on the west side of the bridge, the next two platforms will be hoisted later this month on the east side. Stay tuned to the West Seattle Bridge Program website for the latest updates.

Article Source: News from City of Seattle