Magnolia Bridge Preservation Project

July 2026

What’s happening now?

You may see crews wearing safety vests on or near the Magnolia Bridge this summer and into the fall. Crews will perform various surveying and field investigation activities to collect data that will inform repair and rehabilitation plans for future construction work essential to improving and preserving the bridge. Please slow down when crews are present and mind all traffic laws.

About the Project

The Magnolia Bridge Preservation Project will keep the bridge in reliable working condition by completing structural repairs and rehabilitation to the portions of the Magnolia Bridge west of the railroad tracks. 

The repair work is expected to include and not limited to concrete and steel repairs, structural strengthening, bridge deck restoration, and expansion joint repairs. As part of this project, we'll evaluate and consider improvements to the seismic resiliency of the structure, depending on funding. 

Image of the Magnolia Bridge adjacent to Terminal 91, the Smith Cove waterway, and Smith Cove marina with docked sail boats and a cruise ship. The Magnolia Bridge spans over Terminal 91 into the Magnolia neighborhood. Elliott Bay and the Olympic Peninsula are located in the background.Aerial view of Terminal 91, the Magnolia Bridge, and the Magnolia neighborhood.

Project Area

Map showing the Magnolia Bridge Preservation Project area, highlighted in blue, running from W Galer St through the Magnolia Bridge to the area west of the railroad tracks, passing Smith Cove Park and Terminal 91

Project Schedule 

  • Fall 2026 - Initial existing structure assessment and field inspection.
  • Spring 2027 - Alternatives development and evaluation.
  • Summer 2027 - 30% design.
  • Spring 2028 - Final design.

Bridge Background

The approximately 2,650-foot-long Magnolia Bridge was built in 1930 and connects the neighborhood of Magnolia to Smith Cove Park, Elliott Bay Marina, Terminal 91, Elliott Bay businesses, and 15th Ave W. The bridge carries 17,000 vehicles per day over across the southern portion of Interbay. 

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) identified a portion of the bridge west of the railroad tracks in need of repairs so it can continue to sustain its current level of operations.

Historic image of the Magnolia Bridge spanning east over what is currently Terminal 91. Log piles are located at the base of the bridge, and there are smoky clouds in the sky.The Magnolia Bridge was originally built in 1930 and connects Magnolia to Smith Cove Park, Elliott Bay Marina, Terminal 91, Elliott Bay businesses, and 15th Ave W.

Nearby projects 

We will be coordinating with the following capital projects in the neighborhood: 

Funding 

Bridge repairs and strengthening improvements are funded by the voter-approved 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy. To learn more, visit seattle.gov/transportation/levy. 

We are exploring local, state, and federal sources to fund the sidewalk widening and sidewalk and trail connections on the west side of the bridge. 

Transportation

Angela Brady, Acting 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

Sign Up for Latest Updates

Subscribe

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.