SW Admiral Way Bridge Seismic Retrofit

Updated March 10, 2023

Project overview

Safety for the traveling public is our number one priority. Every bridge is built to the earthquake standards of the time it is designed and receives ongoing maintenance. The Levy to Move Seattle’s Bridge Seismic Retrofit program is an investment that goes beyond basic maintenance to bring sturdy but older bridges up to modern standards.

The SW Admiral Way Bridge is on SW Admiral Way between 39th Ave SW and Walnut Ave SW, towering above Fairmont Ave SW. While it seems like one bridge when you’re traveling on it, the SW Admiral Way Bridge is two bridges, side-by-side. Both bridges will be reinforced, making the SW Admiral Way Bridge stronger and safer in the event of an earthquake.

About the work

The seismic retrofit work on the bridge involves several modifications. We will install new bracing components, which help tighten areas of the bridge closure to each other, making them stronger. We’ll also install large footings at the sides of the bridge to make it more securely connected to the ground. Lastly, we’ll also wrap the concrete foundation with carbon fiber wrap to help strengthen the bridge, a similar method used during the West Seattle Bridge repairs.  

In addition to the seismic reinforcement work, we’ll also repaint some areas of the bridge, repair damaged concrete, and replace the bridge deck expansion joints, which help the bridge expand and contract during seasonal temperature changes.   

Project Schedule

We’re currently in the final design phase. During this phase, we are working to get a contractor selected for completing the seismic reinforcements, meeting with nearby land and homeowners about temporary right-of-way easements, and preparing outreach materials for construction notification. We expect to start construction in 2023 and be completed with the retrofit project by 2024.

What to expect during construction

• Work in the public right-of-way near your home or business
• A temporary, full street closure at the bridge on SW Admiral Way
• A full street closure below the bridge on Fairmount Ave SW for the duration of construction.
• Detours in place for people walking, biking, riding foot scooters, and driving to get you safely around work zones
• Occasional traffic or lane restrictions, including side street closures
• Temporary on-street parking restrictions, with "no park" signs placed 72 hours in advance
• Typical construction equipment, materials, noise, workers, dust, and activity in the area
• Typical weekday work hours are 7 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday
• Weekend and night work as needed

Funding

This project is an example of SDOT delivering on its commitments to voters and putting Levy to Move Seattle tax dollars to work. The total project cost of the Andover Bridge seismic retrofit is $1.9 million. Upgrading this aging bridge to current earthquake safety standards was included as part of the Levy to Move Seattle package passed by voters in 2015. Approved by voters in 2015, the 9-year, $930 million Levy to Move Seattle provides funding to improve safety for all travelers, maintain our streets and bridges, and invest in reliable, affordable travel options for a growing city.

The Bridge Seismic Retrofit Program brings older bridges in Seattle up to modern earthquake safety standards. This goes above and beyond the ongoing maintenance, inspections, preservation, and repairs that we perform continually to keep Seattle bridges safe and stable. We've completed 32 bridge seismic retrofit projects over the past 30 years and have plans to complete 9 more projects by 2025. To learn more about the Bridge Seismic Retrofit Program, visit our Bridges webpage.

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Project Materials

To be posted when available.