Admiral Way North and South Bridges Seismic Retrofit
Updated June 26, 2024
What's Happening Now?
We will begin construction on seismic retrofits to the Admiral Way North and South Bridges as soon as July 2024. These improvements will help retrofit the bridge to better withstand earthquakes. We expect construction will last approximately 7-8 months. 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, there will be lane closures on SW Admiral Way at the bridge throughout construction and full, 24/7 closures of the bridge on 2 weekends with specific dates to be determined. In addition, 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 will share regular email updates once construction begins. To receive project updates, sign up to join our project listserv.
Project overview
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 will begin as soon as July 2024 and is anticipated to last approximately 7-8 months. Once construction begins, 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 closures on SW Admiral Way at the bridge throughout construction and full, 24/7 closures of the bridge on 2 weekends with specific dates to be determined. 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
- Full, 24/7 closures of the bridge on 2 weekends, with specific dates to be determined.
- We will notify nearby homes at least two weeks in advance and again 72 hours before the closure
- 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.
Once construction begins, it is scheduled to last approximately 7-8 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:
- 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.
Project Materials
We’ll update you with project materials such as mailings, flyers, and fact sheets as they are created throughout the construction phase of the project.