Admiral Way North and South Bridges Seismic Retrofit

Updated September 26, 2024

What's Happening Now?

Construction on retrofits to help the Admiral Way North and South Bridges better withstand earthquakes is ongoing! On Friday, October 4th, we will be transitioning into our next phase of sidewalk and lane closures. The south bridge will be closed to people driving, walking, biking, and rolling, with traffic shifted onto the north bridge. One eastbound lane and one westbound lane will be maintained for car travel. People walking, biking, and rolling will be able to travel across the bridge using the sidewalk on the south bridge.   

As a reminder, the segment of Fairmount Ave SW beneath the bridge is closed to people walking, biking, rolling, and driving for the duration of construction (10 months) to ensure their safety and allow our crews to work as efficiently as possible. We anticipate that construction will last approximately 10 months. Construction schedules are subject to change and depend on factors such as weather and availability of crews and materials.   We understand these closures will impact everyone who uses the bridge and Fairmount Ave SW regularly and we will do what we can to minimize impacts.  

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Project overview

Admiral Way BSR Overview map showing cloures

Earthquakes could have a major impact on Seattle’s infrastructure. To address these seismic risks, 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 Admiral Way North and South Bridges. The Admiral Way North and South Bridges are older bridges built prior to modernizing the seismic design code. 

The bridges are on SW Admiral Way between 39th Ave SW and Walnut Ave SW, above Fairmont Ave SW. While it seems like one bridge when you’re traveling on it, the Admiral Way North and South Bridges are actually two bridges, side-by-side. Both will be retrofitted, making them stronger and safer in the event of an earthquake. 

We’re not planning on changing the current use and operation of the bridge. The planned seismic retrofits to the Admiral Way North and South Bridges include several modifications to strengthen existing bridge components and reduce the bridge’s vulnerability to earthquakes. The following are major construction elements: 

  • Installing carbon fiber wrapping to strengthen the bridge's crossbeams, columns, and arches 
  • Strengthening the existing arch with a concrete infill wall 
  • Installing concrete blocks and supportive shells for the bridge's columns and crossbeams 
  • Repairing cracks and damaged concrete 
  • Replacing the expansion joints at both ends of the bridge   

What to expect during construction

Construction began July 2024 and is anticipated to last approximately 10 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, there will be lane and sidewalk closures on SW Admiral Way at the bridge throughout construction. In addition, the segment of Fairmount Ave SW beneath the bridge will be closed to people walking, biking, rolling, and driving for the duration of construction. We understand these closures will impact everyone who uses the bridge and Fairmount Ave SW regularly and we will do what we can to minimize impacts.

We currently anticipate the following construction impacts:    

  • Lane closures on SW Admiral Way at the bridge
  • A full closure of Fairmount Ave SW during construction  
  • 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  
  • Staged construction equipment and materials as well as noise, dust, and vibrations in the work area 
  • 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 Begins July 2024

* The schedule is subject to change.   
 
Construction is scheduled to last approximately 10 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. In addition, this project has received federal funding. 

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:  

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.