Fairview Ave N Bridge Replacement

Updated: March 8, 2021

What's happening now?

Fairview Ave N bridge will remain closed until project completion

Bridge opening schedule update

Last month, we reached two major milestones with the completion of the bridge deck and removal of the construction cranes from the project site.

Due to COVID-19 related material delivery delays, location and space constraints limiting work acceleration, and other unforeseen construction challenges, project completion has shifted from spring 2021 to summer 2021. Click here to read more on the SDOT blog.

The new Fairview Ave N Bridge replaces the last wood bridge on an arterial in Seattle and is designed and built to meet modern seismic standards. Thanks to the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle, not only is safety improved, the new bridge also supports the future RapidRide J Line and Seattle's growing bike network. 

Thank you for your engagement and patience throughout the project!

Construction milestones reached:

  • Crews removed construction cranes from the project site
  • Crews completed construction o f bridge deck
  • Crews installed anchor bolts for the utility poles and bridge railing
  • Crews poured concrete for the bridge shafts, columns, and pier crossbeams
  • Crews installed water system improvements on the south end of the bridge

Upcoming work

In March and April, crews will:

  • Install electrical conduit for lighting and traffic signals
  • Install bridge lighting and railing
  • Pour concrete for bridge sidewalk
  • Build retaining wall on the north end of the bridge
Seattle City Light will relocate to their original location power lines that were temporarily moved, and remove the temporary poles and foundations.

To receive our biweekly email updates that include construction information, please click here. For the latest project updates, including construction photos, see our email update archive.

Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM. Crews can continue work activity until 10 PM. Crews may also be working Saturdays 8 AM to 5 PM. Expect noise and vibration from heavy machinery and trucks in the area. 

What we've heard

We've noticed more people walking and biking near the project area and closure. We want to be good neighbors during construction. If you have questions or concerns about construction or construction staging in the area, please contact us at FairviewBridge@seattle.gov or at (206) 775-8715.

Getting around during construction

We understand the importance of keeping people moving during construction. This 18-month closure is significantly affecting how people get around Seattle. During construction, the bridge and Fairview Ave N from Eastlake Ave E to Aloha St is closed to through traffic, including people walking and biking. To accommodate the work on the bridge, we've temporarily removed the floating walkway and will reinstall it when the new bridge is complete. The transit, biking, and walking detour routes shown below are the result of working with communities in the area. Freight and general traffic are encouraged to use alternate routes. We will continue to work with King County Metro, other nearby construction projects, the community, and those who travel through the area. Businesses and restaurants remain open and accessible during the bridge closure. For more information on suggested detour routes, check out the map below our blog post. Temporary street parking is provided on the east and west sides of Fairview Ave N between Yale Ave N and Aloha St.

King County Metro Route 70 detour

Metro Route 70, which typically runs along Fairview Ave N, has been detoured around the bridge closure via Eastlake Ave E and Aloha St (see map below). Temporary bus stops are located on Eastlake Ave E:

  • The northbound bus stop is located on Eastlake Ave E near the signalized crosswalk and overhead walkway between Ward St and E Nelson Place
  • The southbound stop is located at the existing bus shelter on Eastlake Ave E near the staircase that connects to Ward St

The best way to stay informed about Metro rerouting is to check the King County Metro Rider Alerts.

Bridge closure map showing detour routes for general and freight traffic.

Schedule and construction

Construction schedule for Fairview Ave N Bridge Replacement project.

Early 2019

Advertisement for construction contractor
Ongoing public and stakeholder outreach

Summer 2019

Confirm construction contractor
Preparation work begins for Aloha St intersection detour*
Ongoing public and stakeholder outreach

Fall 2019

Full bridge closure and construction begins
Ongoing public and stakeholder outreach

2021

Bridge reopens to traffic

*The project will comply with all necessary environmental permitting and associated schedule. Construction, including work on Aloha St, to last approximately 19 months.

Why are we replacing the bridge?

The Fairview Ave N bridge is the last wooden bridge on a major road in Seattle. While safe for travel today, the bridge doesn't meet current seismic standards. The timber piles on the western half of the bridge, which hold up the roadway, are decaying. The concrete girders on the eastern half of the bridge, which stabilize the street, are cracked.

Future bridge design

The new, wider street will help all users, making it safer for people to drive, walk, bike, and access transit along Fairview Ave N. The bridge will feature sidewalks on both sides of the street, a separated 12-foot, 2-way bike lane on the west side of the bridge, and slightly wider northbound vehicle lanes for people driving cars and trucks.

Existing Crossection
New Crosssection

Along with seismic improvements, we're building 3 lookout points along the west side of the bridge to provide viewing platforms looking out to Lake Union. They will replace the lookout area at the northern end of the bridge.

Rendering of bridge users
Rendering of bridge users at a belvedere (viewpoint)

Other area improvements

The project made improvements to the area before construction began, including:

  • Installing a new traffic signal at Aloha St and Eastlake Ave E, to allow left turns onto Eastlake Ave E
  • Improving signal timing at Aloha St and Fairview Ave N
  • Removing the traffic circle at Yale Ave N and Aloha St and building a permanently raised intersection

Funding

MOVE SEATTLE LEVY: Your tax dollars at work

With the Levy to Move Seattle, passed by voters in November 2015, SDOT committed to replacing Seattle's aging and seismically vulnerable Fairview Ave N bridge, improving corridor safety and updating the street design to accommodate all people. The Levy to Move Seattle invests $27 million toward the total estimated project cost of $52 million. We're proud to begin construction on this cornerstone project and deliver on our commitment to voters.

Get involved

We want to keep you up to date!
Our outreach team is committed to keeping you informed in a variety of ways, including:

  • Sharing regular email updates (sign up here)
  • Sending project mailings
  • Updating this webpage
  • Dropping off flyers at businesses and residential buildings
  • Presenting at community group meetings
  • Responding to emails from area neighbors

Contact information

Project Hotline
(206) 775-8715 
FairviewBridge@seattle.gov

Materials