The West Seattle Bridge, officially the Jeanette Williams Memorial Bridge, is a cantilevered segmental bridge that serves as the primary connection between West Seattle and important highways such as State Route 99, the Spokane Street Viaduct, and Interstate 5. It was built between 1981 and 1984 after the previous bascule bridge was deemed inoperable as a result of being struck by the freighter Antonio Chavez in 1978.
The West Seattle Bridge from the west side, seen during a closure in 2020
Traffic on the West Spokane Street Bridge in 1930
West Seattle Bridge under construction, c. 1983
West Seattle Bridge seen from the 12th Avenue South viewpoint on Beacon Hill in 2010.
West Seattle is a conglomeration of neighborhoods in Seattle, Washington, United States. It comprises two of the thirteen districts, Delridge and Southwest, and encompasses all of Seattle west of the Duwamish River. It was incorporated as an independent town in 1902 before being annexed by Seattle five years later. Among the area's attractions are its saltwater beach parks along Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, including Alki Beach Park and Lincoln Park. The area is also known for its views of the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascade Range to the east. One-third of Seattle's green space and urban forest is located in West Seattle, much of it in the West Duwamish Greenbelt.
View of downtown Seattle from one of several common greenspaces
Community garden and open play field with typical house variety in background.
Houses are built close to the street. Bioretention swales or rain gardens treat and control stormwater from the streets with plants.
Duwamish Head, between eastern coast and Alki Beach