The #Magnolia Bridge is nearing its end, disrupting the #transportation of Seattle. The bridge connects the neighborhoods of #Magnolia and Interbay and has been doing so since 1930. This iconic bridge is now weakened by the 2013 earthquake and the state is procrastinating on its repair. Seattle should fund for the new Magnolia Bridge and make transportation easier like before.
It’s been 90 years since the Magnolia Bridge was built. The latest studies released by Seattle city have proposed several options with regards to the repair of the aging bridge. You can’t deny a bridge as, without it, transportation will be devastated. However, it is crucial that we first understand what exactly each option speaks.
The city’s Department of Transportation (#SDOT) studied the condition of the bridge and proposed a few options that would give an alternate bridge – a new automobile bridge costing between $200 to $400 million, rebuild the Magnolia bridge that will be nearly identical and costing between $340 to $430 million or replacing the Magnolia Bridge with a new look positioned about half a mile north, which would cost around $200 to $350 million.
Some people would not support the city making such a huge investment on a bridge and would further argue that there isn't much traffic Magnolia faces. But if you’ve been there you’d understand since the bridge is not operable right now, a quick solution to this problem is of utmost importance. Studies predict that the city will face dire consequences with vehicles and their traveling time.
The city studies have put forth four options to build the bridge. But it is difficult to understand which would be a perfect fit for the project. Having that said, a thorough study of the suggested model – the new Magnolia Bridge or an identical bridge of the same caliber is what Seattle needs now. You ask why? Well, the study gives you the answer-
Armory Way Bridge – this option will cost Seattle $200 to $350 million. It’s a new bridge that would map between 15th Avenue West along Armory Way and connect Thorndyke Avenue W at Halladay Street. This would also connect Elliot Bay Marina and Terminal 91. This will also help in the connectivity among bikers and pedestrians.
Dravus Street Upgrade – estimated between $190 to $350 million, this option would tear down most of the Magnolia Bridge and then directly lead to Dravus Street Bridge, which would be widened. This option would also build the same “West Uplands Perimeter Road” from the Armory Way Bridge option.
The third option is Lower Magnolia Bridge and it is estimated between $210 to $360 million. This will take care of the reconstruction of the lower section of the Magnolia Bridge, giving access to Smith Cove and Terminal 91 from Interbay. This option will force drivers onto the existing Dravus Street Bridge. The bridge would be widened under this option.
Replacing the Magnolia Bridge – this option is estimated between $340 to $420 million and this would replace the existing Magnolia Bridge. In other words, this will be identical to Magnolia.
An overview of these four options and their estimates has been calculated by experts and each option reveals an individual score. The fourth option is the most expensive one of all and if you care to save Seattle some finances, you’d probably discard this option.
However, based on public opinion and acceptance, the experts expressed that opinion four – replacing the Magnolia Bridge won out.
The main point of coming with a re-engineered bridge is to come up with an alternative to retain the same level of communication as before, where the community can go walking, biking, driving, or in a bus.
The bridge is in a bad condition now. According to Kit Loo, a city bridge engineer said the bridge is safe to drive until hit by an earthquake. He expects the bridge to last till 2024 at least but also feels that there should be limits to the weights allowed on the bridge.
Inspections were held earlier this year and found that the decks had cracked as long as 20 feet. Even concrete is flaking off. The Magnolia Bridge carries around 17,000 vehicles daily. So you can measure the importance of the bridge and how the new Magnolia Bridge is an ideal option for this need.
We want our people safe and not having a bridge operating would hamper the traffic and daily travels for people traveling from Magnolia and other neighboring cities. So yes, the Seattle Department of Transportation should fund a new Magnolia Bridge.
