KIRO NEWSRADIO

Upcoming construction: SDOT to prepare bridges for next big earthquake

Jun 13, 2024, 5:58 PM | Updated: Oct 10, 2024, 12:50 pm

Photo: SDOT Roadway Structures Director Kit Loo inspects newly installed carbon fiber wrapping unde...

SDOT Roadway Structures Director Kit Loo inspects newly installed carbon fiber wrapping under the McGraw Street Bridge. (Photo: Ethan Bergerson, SDOT)

(Photo: Ethan Bergerson, SDOT)

Seattle is known for having historic bridges like the Fremont Bridge, which opened in 1917. However, 16 roadway and pedestrian bridges need upgrading in the event the next big earthquake hits.

“We’re on track to strengthen 16 bridges across Seattle to be safer during an earthquake,” Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) Kitt Loo said.

Five of the bridges, including the Lower Spokane Swing Bridge, are already retrofitted. Loo said the bridges can’t be torn down and rebuilt. Instead, the bridges have to be upgraded.

“Some of these older structures are deemed historical, or have some type of landmark preservation designation associated with them,” he said. “So with those, we use a lot of seismic retrofit techniques that try to maintain a lot of those architectural characteristics that may include either just enlarging specific elements of the bridge, using concrete, or we may wrap the bridge with carbon fiber to increase the strength. Those are key components that help maintain seismic resiliency for those bridges.”

These are bridges to be retrofitted and some have already been worked on, according to SDOT:

Loo said SDOT plans to complete all the projects by the end of 2025. It’s all part of the Levy to Move Seattle which was voted on back in 2015. According to SDOT, the $930 million levy will be used to maintain streets and bridges and keep the roadways safe for travelers.

Typical modifications for a concrete arch bridge include (shown on the graphic below):

  1. Repairing existing concrete components that are in poor condition.
  2. Installing concrete bolsters and enlarging the bridge’s columns and crossbeams.
  3. Strengthening the existing arch with a concrete infill wall.
  4. Installing carbon fiber wrapping to the bridge’s crossbeams, columns and arches.
  5. Replacing the expansion joints at both ends of the bridge.
Image: Examples of the types of modifications SDOT typically makes during a bridge seismic improvement.

Examples of the types of modifications SDOT typically makes during a bridge seismic improvement. (Image courtesy of SDOT)

The McGraw Street Bridge seismic retrofit construction began in March and the Delridge Way Pedestrian Bridge seismic retrofit construction began in April.

In general, during work for bridge seismic retrofit projects, neighbors can expect work in the public right-of-way near your home or business. You can also expect occasional traffic or lane restrictions, including closures on side streets and detours for people walking and biking, including potential closures of crosswalks and sidewalks.

Residents should also prepare for typical construction activities such as noise, dust, vibrations and construction equipment staged on the bridge and within the work area. Also, temporary on-street parking restrictions, with signs placed 72 hours in advance to notify residents not to park in the areas.

Construction work will generally occur on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., from Monday to Friday.

You can read more of Micki Gamez’s stories here. Follow Micki on X, formerly known as Twitter, or email her here.

KIRO Newsradio

Image: Natural gas burns on a kitchen stove in the U.S. in 2023....

Matt Markovich

Inslee: If natural gas initiative passes with voters, it may end up in court

If the natural gas initiative -- I-2066 -- passes, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee suggested it may be headed to court before it goes into effect.

2 minutes ago

Image: President-elect Donald Trump waves as he walks with former first lady Melania Trump at an el...

Steve Coogan

‘Blindsided:’ KIRO Newsradio hosts react to Trump winning the 2024 election

Spike O'Neill told Jake Skorheim Wednesday he was blindsided by the election victory by Donald Trump on Tuesday.

1 hour ago

Photo: WA democrats Washington state Governor Jay Inslee (L) and Washington Attorney General Bob Fe...

Sam Campbell

WA Democrats tell citizens ‘we will be ready’ for second Trump presidency

Governor Jay Inslee told KIRO Newsradio he previously discussed with Governor-elect Bob Ferguson the possibility of a second presidential term for now-President-elect Donald Trump.

4 hours ago

ship canal bridge...

Matt Markovich

Big money headed toward Seattle’s transportation infrastructure

Seattle residents have approved Proposition 1, a property tax measure set to invest $1.55 billion in the city’s transportation infrastructure.

5 hours ago

Photo: (Left) Donald Trump gestures at supporters during a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena in Pi...

James Lynch

‘I’m excited,’ ‘I’m worried’: Washington voters on both sides react to Trump win

People are either celebrating or coming to terms with the fact that Donald Trump will be president again. KIRO Newsradio got reactions from Washington voters on both political sides.

6 hours ago

Photo: Republican president-elect President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a rally in La...

Bill Kaczaraba

Medved: ‘Americans were in a bad mood. They wanted change.’

Michael Medved, a presidential historian and conservative commentator, shares his insights on the election results.

6 hours ago

Upcoming construction: SDOT to prepare bridges for next big earthquake