Admiral Way North and South Bridges Seismic Retrofit

Updated February 13, 2025

What's Happening Now?

Clarification: Our previous update of this webpage listed two timelines for this project. Construction is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2025. We apologize for any confusion.

Admiral Way SW (on top of the bridge)
The work zone will change periodically over the next several months, but our construction plan is to leave at least one lane of Admiral Way SW on the bridge open in each direction. Both sidewalks will also remain open throughout construction.

Fairmount Ave SW Closure (below the bridge)
Fairmount Ave SW will remain closed to all travelers throughout construction. This closure keeps everyone safe while work happens on the bridge above, and helps our crews work efficiently.

To receive project updates, sign up to join our project listserv.  

Construction crew working on a bridge repair project, with workers in high-visibility vests and hard hats breaking up concrete. Traffic barriers and safety fencing line the work zone, while vehicles pass by on the adjacent lane.

The photo above shows crews working on the Admiral Way Bridge retrofit project, January 2025.

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. 

Aerial view of the SW Admiral Way Bridge, surrounded by dense greenery and residential neighborhoods. The image labels key streets, including Walnut Ave SW and 39th Ave SW, which intersect near the bridge.

The photo above shows an aerial view of the SW Admiral Way Bridge and surrounding streets, showing its connection to nearby residential areas.

We're not changing the current use and operation of the bridge. The Admiral Way North and South Bridges seismic retrofit will strengthen existing bridge components and reduce the bridge’s vulnerability to earthquakes. Major construction work includes: 

Installing carbon fiber wrapping to strengthen certain bridge elements
Slope stabilization
Steel painting
Replacing bridge gusset plates
Repairing cracks and damaged concrete 
Replacing the expansion joints at both ends of the bridge

Project Area

The bridges are on SW Admiral Way between 39th Ave SW and Walnut Ave SW, above Fairmont Ave SW.

Admiral Way BSR Overview map showing cloures

What to expect during construction

Construction began July 2024 and is anticipated to be complete Summer 2025.

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. Additionally, Fairmount Ave SW under the bridge will be closed to people walking, biking, rolling, and driving during 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

Construction schedules are 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 collaborating with neighbors to minimize construction impacts as much as possible. Here’s how you can stay updated on 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

Admiral Way Fact Sheet (2024)

Translation and interpretation

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