Seattle Will Repair Bridge Streetlights in September
Work to replace copper wire stolen in June will improve lighting on the West Seattle Bridge and Spokane Street Viaduct.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Property Crime
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Seattle City Light and SDOT will begin repairs on 80 non-functional streetlights in late September 2026. The project follows the theft of 400 feet of copper wire that disabled the lighting system on the West Seattle Bridge and Spokane Street Viaduct.
Why it matters
The repair project is necessary to restore safety lighting across these major transit corridors. To prevent further vandalism, the city is installing welded access doors and tamper-proof lids during the maintenance period.
Gregory Wayne Galitzeck remains at large after a bench warrant was issued following his failure to attend a July 7 arraignment. He faces charges of first-degree malicious mischief, first-degree theft, and first-degree criminal impersonation.
The players
Gregory Wayne Galitzeck
He is the 47-year-old suspect charged with theft and criminal impersonation who allegedly posed as a utility employee.
Seattle City Light
This is the municipal electric utility responsible for providing power and maintenance to the city's streetlighting infrastructure.
SDOT
The Seattle Department of Transportation manages the city's streets, bridges, and infrastructure projects.
The details
Crews are scheduled to complete the repairs over a three-to-four-week period. To minimize traffic impacts, work will be conducted nightly between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Timeline
June 27, 2026: Theft of 400 feet of copper wire occurred.
July 7, 2026: Suspect failed to appear for scheduled arraignment.
September 2026: Repairs are scheduled to begin.
10 p.m. to 4 a.m.: Daily window for repair work.
Legal Context
The charges filed against the suspect follow the guidelines established by Washington state's first-degree malicious mischief statute regarding damage to public property. This case represents a typical enforcement action where significant public infrastructure damage leads to felony charges.
Drivers using the West Seattle Bridge and Spokane Street Viaduct should prepare for nighttime lane restrictions during the three-to-four-week construction window. These repairs aim to restore visibility for motorists navigating these key transit routes.
The takeaway
Copper wire theft from public utilities can cause significant, long-term disruption to city services and infrastructure. Residents should report suspicious individuals appearing to perform utility work to local authorities.
Further reading
For more information on infrastructure security, visit the Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX13 News | Seattle & Western Washington | Formerly Q13 News.
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