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Should Seattle knock down the West Seattle Bridge, which officials closed in late March after discovering cracks in the structure, and build a replacement bridge? What about a tunnel?

The West Seattle Bridge, left, was closed in March after cracks were discovered underneath and along the sides of the high-rise, making travel across the structure unsafe. The bridge is 36 years old. (Mike Siegel / The Seattle Times)
The West Seattle Bridge, left, was closed in March after cracks were discovered underneath and along the sides of the high-rise, making travel across the structure unsafe. The bridge is 36 years old. (Mike Siegel / The Seattle Times)

How much would a replacement cost? And what are the alternative commuting options for people traveling to and from West Seattle in the meantime?

Traffic Lab is a Seattle Times project that digs into the region’s thorny transportation issues, spotlights promising approaches to easing gridlock, and helps readers find the best ways to get around. It is funded with the help of community sponsors Alaska Airlines, Kemper Development Co., Madrona Venture Group, NHL Seattle, PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company and Seattle Children’s hospital. Seattle Times editors and reporters operate independently of our funders and maintain editorial control over Traffic Lab content.

Traffic Lab reporter Mike Lindblom and engagement editor Michelle Baruchman answered these questions about the West Seattle Bridge closure in a live Q&A on Tuesday.

Check st.news/WestSeattleBridge for more coverage on the West Seattle Bridge closure.

If you’d like to ask more questions, you can do so by using this form here.

Related coverage on the West Seattle Bridge

Seattle Times staff

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