McGilvra Blvd E Bridge Seismic Retrofit

Updated October 21, 2024

What's Happening Now?

Construction on seismic retrofits to the McGilvra Blvd E Bridge is ongoing! These improvements will help retrofit the bridge to better withstand earthquakes.  We anticipate construction for the year will be completed by mid-November, with crews returning in the spring for permanent pavement restoration.  Construction schedules are subject to change and depend on factors such as weather and availability of crews and materials.      

To complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible, the bridge is closed to people driving for the duration of construction. We understand this closure will impact everyone who uses the bridge regularly and we will do what we can to minimize impacts. Additionally, the north entrance of Seattle Tennis Club is closed, with the south entrance remaining open. People driving will be able to travel in both directions on the northbound side of McGilvra Blvd E (between 39th Ave E and the south entrance) to access the tennis club.  

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Project overview

McGilvra Bridge Overview Map with Seattle Tennis Club and Parking Lot Shown

Earthquakes could have a major impact on Seattle’s infrastructure. To address seismic risks to city infrastructure, the City of Seattle established a bridge seismic program to assess how vulnerable the City’s bridges were to earthquakes, and to retrofit bridges to better withstand the potential impacts of an earthquake.

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 constructed before the modernization of the seismic design code. The bridge provides a more direct connection for the Washington Park and Harrison/Denny-Blaine neighborhoods. 

We're not planning on changing the current use and operation of the bridge. The planned seismic retrofits to McGilvra Blvd E Bridge include several modifications to strengthen existing bridge components and reduce the bridge’s vulnerability to earthquakes. The following are major construction elements: 

  • Installing drilling shafts in the roadway
  • Temporary excavation and shoring to support the drilling of the shafts 

What to expect during construction 

Construction began in August 2024 and is anticipated to last approximately 6-7 months. We will continue to share information on our webpage and through regular email updates. You can sign up online to receive email updates.    

To complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible, the bridge is closed to all people driving for the duration of construction. We understand this closure will impact everyone who uses the bridge regularly and will do what we can to minimize impacts.

Additionally, the north entrance of Seattle Tennis Club is closed, with the south entrance remaining open. People driving will be able to travel in both directions on the northbound side of McGilvra Blvd E (between 39th Ave E and the south entrance) to access the tennis club. 

In addition to the above, we currently anticipate the following construction impacts:    

  • Work in the public right-of-way near your home or business  
  • Temporary on-street parking restrictions, with "no park" signs placed 72 hours in advance 
  • Noise, dust, and vibrations in the work area
  • Staged construction equipment and materials
  • Typical weekday work hours of 7 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday 

Project schedule* 

30% Design Complete
60% Design Complete
90% Design Complete
Final Design Complete
Construction August 2024

* The schedule is subject to change.  

Construction is scheduled to last approximately 6-7 months. Construction schedules are also subject to change and depend on factors such as weather and availability of crews and materials. 

Funding 

The project is 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.  

Get involved 

We're committed to keeping you informed and working with neighbors to limit construction impacts to the extent feasible. Here are some ways to get more information about the project:  

Materials 

Translation and interpretation 

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Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.