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City of Tukwila E -Hazelnut Newsletter - December 2021
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Information
Tukwila Elected
Officials
Mayor: Allan Ekberg
City Council:
Kate Kruller (Council
President)
Verna Seal
Kathy Hougardy
De'Sean Quinn
Thomas McLeod
Zak Idan
Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson
42nd Ave South
Bridge Closure Update
As you are likely aware, the 42nd Ave S Bridge
was subject to an over height impact from a
truck on Wednesday 12/15. The bridge was
closed shortly after this incident by the City
Police Department and will remain closed until
repairs are complete to ensure the safety of all
who use this route.
On Thursday 12/16, the King County inspection
crew performed an in-depth inspection of the
damaged areas. They determined that the truck
struck one sway frame of the bridge and inflicted
some critical damages to the mentioned sway
frame, as well as its associated vertical elements
of the through -trusses of the bridge. Fortunately,
it appears that no member of the truss bridge has
been separated or sheared off, and the damages
are limited to the one mentioned sway frame
area. This observation was made by TranTech
Engineering, LLC, a structural engineering firm
that had conducted past structural analysis and is
very familiar with this bridge.
On Friday 12/17, the City and TranTech team
met a heat straightening contractor, Flame On
Inc., at the site and it was determined that this
repair is feasible and effective for the observed
damages. TranTech recommends that the City
obtain the services of this contractor for repair
of the described sway frame damages. The King
County bridge inspectors are also in agreement
with this recommendation.
City staff are moving forward with procuring the
contracts necessary to perform the repairs
immediately. The Mayor has declared a state of
emergency that allows us to move forward
quickly. These repairs are weather dependent
and may take 4-6 weeks. Additional inspections
and structural analysis will determine the future
next steps.
The bridge closure continues until further notice
and City staff will continue to monitor the detour
routes.
Thank you for your patience and understanding
during this construction period.
Farewell Councilmembers Seal and Idan!
At the December 13, 2021 meeting the City Council and Mayor honored
outgoing Councilmembers Verna Seal and Zak Idan for their service with
resolutions of gratitude and ceremonial keys to the city.
Councilmember Seal is retiring from the City Council after serving four
terms totaling 16 years. First elected in 2005, Verna quickly established
herself as a voice for the vulnerable, and her advocacy on behalf of
children and seniors is well known. Her compassion and kindness amplified
her strong voice on the Council.
Councilmember Zak Idan has served four years, following the historic 2017
election that made him the first Muslim and first Somali elected to office
in Washington state. Zak championed the importance of transparency and
accessibility in government, and is appreciated by his colleagues for his
leadership on meeting and process efficiency.
Serving in elected office is not easy - it requires significant time,
commitment, reading and dedication. Each individual brings unique
experiences and perspectives to contribute to the collective effort on
behalf of the community. We appreciate the service of Councilmembers
Seal and Idan and wish them well on their future endeavors.
Take a survey and let us know what is
important to you in solid waste collection
The City of Tukwila is preparing a new RFP for a Solid Waste contractor
and wants to hear from you! What is important to you in solid waste
collection? What should the future look like? Let us know your thoughts by
completing the survey below by January 14, 2022.
• Take the Solid Waste Collection Survey
Help manage the spread of coronavirus and
keep each other safe this holiday season.
The Omicron variant is driving up cases of COVID-19 in King County since it
was first identified less than a month ago. Soon, we will likely surpass the
highest daily total seen throughout the entire pandemic. Our hospital ERs
and ICUs are already near full, so even if just a fraction of these cases end
up in the hospital, it could overload our already stressed healthcare
system.
Ways to make things safer now:
• Avoid crowded indoor spaces during the holiday season
• Gatherings will be safer in well -ventilated spaces. Open
windows for fresh air.
• Limit the number of gatherings and, if possible, do a rapid
test the day of the gathering.
• Visit Washington Department of Health's Vaccine Locator to
get a vaccine or booster appointment.
• Take extra precautions for people in your life who are higher
risk for getting COVID-19
• Postpone travel where possible. If you must travel, please
follow all CDC guidelines.
• Now is the time to refresh your mask if needed. Make sure it
is well -fitting and high quality.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in
close contact with someone who tests positive.
Everyone ages 5 and older, regardless of vaccination status, are required
to wear masks in indoor public settings like grocery and retail stores,
theaters, and entertainment establishments, and at outdoor events with
500 or more people. Masks are also recommended for everyone in
crowded outdoor settings.
COVID-19 vaccination and boosters continue to be the best line of defense
against infection and preventing the spread. Everyone 5 years and older
should get a COVID-19 vaccination. Every person age 16 and older, should
get a COVID-19 booster dose as soon as they are eligible.
More information is available at: KingCounty.gov/COVID
City of Tukwila 1 6200 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila WA 98188 1 206 433-1800