The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has substantially completed rehabilitation work on the Dr. Jose Rizal Bridge (12th Avenue South). The project was necessary to extend the life of the bridge and reduce the frequency of major maintenance and repair. The 98-year-old bridge, which crosses South Dearborn Street, is one of Seattle’s original steel bridges and a vital link to and from Beacon Hill. The Bridging the Gap funded project is one of five bridge rehabilitation or replacement projects to be completed as part of the Bridging the Gap program.

The extensive rehabilitation project included repairing concrete spallings on the bridge deck; installing a new sidewalk concrete overlay; repairing and sealing cracks in the concrete; and repairing or replacing deteriorating expansion joints and a concrete girder. This critical work will extend the life of the bridge for many decades to come.

In addition to this project, other SDOT bridge rehabilitation and replacement work is underway on the 45th Street Viaduct Bridge, NE 15th at 105th Street Bridge and Airport Way South Viaduct over Argo Railroad Yard Bridge. Work on the East Duwamish Waterway Bridge was completed earlier this year.

Bridging the Gap is the $365 million levy passed by Seattle voters in 2006. It enables much-needed work by the Seattle Department of Transportation, such as roadway paving, sidewalk development and repair, bridge maintenance, and tree pruning and planting. It also supports the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans, enhanced transit connections and large Neighborhood Street Fund projects.

For more information: George Frost, (206) 615-0786

Media contact: Marybeth Turner, (206) 684-8548