McGilvra Blvd E Bridge Seismic Retrofit

Updated July 3, 2025

The McGilvra Blvd E Bridge in Madison Park, near the Seattle Tennis Club, might not look like a bridge at first glance, but it is! This structure recently underwent essential updates to make it stronger and safer, especially during earthquakes, and to ensure it lasts for many more years.

Here's What We Did

To strengthen the bridge and improve safety, we completed the following work:

• Built a new wall for support: We added a wall to connect with the existing structure. This makes the bridge more stable during earthquakes.
• Repaired a block wall: We restored a damaged concrete block wall to make the bridge safer overall.
• Fixed damaged concrete: We repaired worn-out concrete under the bridge, ensuring steel inside won’t rust or spread cracks further.
• Removed an unused beam: We took out an old support beam that no longer served a purpose for the bridge.
• Added a security fence: A new fence was installed to improve safety around the bridge area.
• Repaved the bridge deck: We removed the old asphalt from areas missed last year and repaved the whole surface to create a smoother driving experience.
• Replaced deck joints: The sections of the bridge are now joined with new materials to make the structure more durable and the road smoother.
• Added new road markings: We completed the finishing touches by painting fresh road lines for safety and clarity.

About the Project

Seattle is located in an earthquake-prone region, and earthquakes can seriously impact our bridges. To address this risk, the City of Seattle created the Bridge Seismic Program to evaluate which bridges are vulnerable and reinforce them to better withstand seismic events.   

As part of the Levy to Move Seattle, 16 bridges were selected for seismic retrofits, including the McGilvra Blvd E Bridge. The McGilvra Blvd E Bridge is an older bridge built prior to modernizing the seismic design code. 

This bridge provides a more direct connection for the Washington Park and Harrison/Denny-Blaine neighborhoods. 

Project schedule

Funding 

The project was funded through the Levy to Move Seattle. 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.  

Materials 

• Project Factsheet (June 2024) 

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