McGraw St Bridge Seismic Improvements Project
Updated: January 30, 2023
What's happening now?
We're building seismic retrofits to the McGraw St Bridge, located between 2nd Ave N and Nob Hill Ave N. These improvements will help strengthen the bridge to better withstand seismic events like earthquakes. We'll soon begin the process to select a contractor, and we anticipate beginning construction in Summer 2023. We will share an update once we have a contractor on board and more information about the construction schedule.
To complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible, the bridge will be closed to people walking, biking, rolling, and driving for the duration of construction. We understand this closure will impact everyone who uses the bridge regularly and we will do what we can to minimize impacts. We've identified a likely detour route. We'll provide more information about detours and what people can expect prior to construction beginning.
To stay up to date with the latest project information, sign up to join the project listserv.Project overview
Earthquakes could have major negative effect on Seattle's bridges. To address this risk, 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 strengthen bridges so they can 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 McGraw St Bridge. The McGraw St Bridge is an older bridge constructed in 1936 and does not meet current seismic design standards for bridges. The bridge spans the Wolf Creek Ravine Natural Area in the Queen Anne neighborhood, and it is used by people driving, biking, walking, and rolling.
We're not planning on changing the current use and operation of the bridge. The seismic retrofits will include several modifications to seismically strengthen the existing bridge components and make the bridge less vulnerable in the event of an earthquake. Modifications include:
- 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
Project Map
Photo of the existing McGraw St Bridge.
What to expect during construction
To complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible, the bridge will be closed to people walking, biking, rolling, and driving for the duration of construction. We understand this closure will impact everyone who uses the bridge regularly and will do what we can to minimize impacts. We will provide more information about detours and what neighbors can expect prior to construction beginning. 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.
The map below shows the anticipated detour route:
We currently anticipate the following construction impacts:
- A full closure of the bridge during construction, with detours for people walking, biking, rolling, and driving
- Noise, dust, vibrations, and construction equipment staged on the bridge and within the work area
- Temporary on-street parking restrictions, with "no park" signs placed 72 hours in advance
- Typical weekday work hours of 7 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday
Schedule
| 30% Design | Complete |
| 60% Design | Complete |
| 90% Design | Complete |
| Construction begins | Summer 2023 |
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 total project estimate is $3 million and 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.
Get involved
We're committed to keeping you informed and working with neighbors to limit construction impacts to the extent feasible. Here are some more ways to get information about the project:
- Sign up for the project listserv to receive regular project updates
- Email the project team at McGrawStBridge@seattle.gov
- Leave a voicemail at (206) 775-8734. A project representative will return your call.
Materials
- Project factsheet (September 2022)
- Frequently Asked Questions (September 2022)
Translation and interpretation
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