Leary Way Bridge Seismic Retrofit

Updated November 18, 2022

What's happening now?

In order to minimize the construction timeframe and traffic impacts, we are combining this project with the 15th Ave W/NW and Ballard Bridge Paving Project. You can sign up to receive email updates and construction notifications using our project listserv.

If you have questions regarding the NW Leary Way Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project or the15th Ave W/NW and Ballard Bridge Paving Project, please send them to 15thAveW_NWpaving@Seattle.gov.

Project Overview

Earthquakes could have a significant detrimental effect on Seattle's infrastructure. To address seismic risks to city infrastructure, the City of Seattle established a bridge seismic retrofit program to assess the seismic vulnerability of the City's bridges and to prioritize limited funding to reduce this transportation infrastructure vulnerability.

The Levy to Move Seattle funds our bridge seismic retrofit program. We have already completed seismic retrofits on 4 bridges with Levy dollars since 2016!

Located just north of the Ballard Bridge, the Leary Way Bridge carries traffic over NW Leary Way, via 15th Ave NW.

The Leary Way Bridge project includes several modifications to strengthen the existing bridge, beyond typical maintenance, and make the bridge less vulnerable in the event of an earthquake.

  • Strengthening the bridge's cap beams, columns, footings, and abutments (parts of the bridge structure)
  • Installing ground anchors 
  • Repairing cracks and damaged concrete 
  • Replacing the bridge expansion joints  

Project Map Nov22

Image Above: Project Map

Leary Way Bridge

Image Above: Leary Way Bridge-  Looking eastbound on NW Leary Way. (Image Credit: Google Maps)

Project Schedule


Summer 2022 – Spring 2023: Design 
Summer 2023 – Fall 2024: Construction 


Schedules are always subject to change due to supply availability and inclement weather. 

Funding

The total project estimate is $4.7 million, and the project is funded through the Levy to Move Seattle and a federal grant. 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. 

Nearby Construction Project

We will be coordinating with nearby capital projects in the neighborhood. To learn more about them, please visit their webpage:


Additional Planning Efforts in the area:

Contact

We're committed to maintaining a productive, inclusive, and collaborative relationship with all who live, work, or travel in the project area. Please contact us with any questions.

Phone: (206) 651-3950
Email: 15thAveW_NWpaving@Seattle.gov

Public Engagement Lead
Jules Posadas

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.