N 102nd St/Aurora Ave N Pedestrian Bridge Seismic Retrofit
Updated February 10, 2025
What's Happening Now?
The N 102nd St/Aurora Ave N Pedestrian Bridge is set to reopen by the end of February as construction on seismic retrofits nears completion. Construction crews have reinforced the bridge’s structure by enlarging its cross-section and applying carbon fiber wrapping to strengthen its superstructure. They have also added flexible components for better movement in the case of an earthquake event, and built supports for the ramp and staircase used to access the pedestrian bridge.
The photo above shows crews pouring a new concrete surface for the bridge (January 2025, SDOT).
Due to recent weather conditions, crews have been unable to apply a topcoat over the carbon fiber on top of the bridge and finish installing a couple remaining components. Once the crews are able to complete this work, we’ll reopen the bridge and remove the traffic control measures that are currently in place.
Full project completion is expected by spring 2025.
Safety Reminders:
• Bridge closure: The N 102nd St/Aurora Ave N Pedestrian Bridge is currently closed to all people walking, biking, and rolling during construction. This closure ensures safety for everyone and allows crews to work as efficiently as possible.
• Intermittent Lane Closures: Car travel lanes under the bridge on Aurora Ave N will be temporarily closed at times to safely detour people driving away from where work is occurring. Please follow all detour signs in place.
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Project overview
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 N 102nd St/Aurora Ave N Pedestrian Bridge. The N 102nd St/Aurora Ave N Pedestrian Bridge is an older bridge constructed prior to the modernization of the seismic design code. The bridge provides a more direct connection across Aurora Ave N for the Greenwood and Licton Springs neighborhoods.
The photo below shows the N 102nd St/Aurora Ave N Pedestrian Bridge before seismic retrofit upgrades.
We're not changing the current use and operation of the bridge. The N 102nd St/Aurora Ave N Pedestrian Bridge seismic retrofit will strengthen existing bridge components and reduce the bridge’s vulnerability to earthquakes. Major construction work includes:
- Strengthening the bridge’s superstructure by enlarging its cross-section and applying carbon fiber wrapping
- Separating the main span from the ramp and the staircase by adding new expansion joints
- Building support systems for the ramp and staircase
What to expect during construction
Construction began in June 2024 and is expected to finish by spring 2025.
In addition to temporary car travel lanes closures, we currently anticipate the following construction impacts:
- Work in the public right-of-way near your home or business
- Temporary sidewalk and crossing closures for people walking and rolling. Detours will be provided and signed
- Temporary side street closures. Detours will be provided and signed
- Side street closure includes 102nd Avenue
- Temporary on-street parking restrictions, with "no park" signs placed 72 hours in advance
- A full closure of the bridge during construction. We will notify nearby homes at least two weeks in advance and again 72 hours before the closure.
- 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 Began | June 2024 |
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:
- Sign up for our project listserv to receive weekly project updates
- Email the project team at BridgeSeismicRetrofit@seattle.gov
- Leave a voicemail at (206) 775-8734. A project representative will return your call.
Materials
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