The 2nd Street Bridge in Seattle is currently the focus of an in-depth planning study to determine the best course of action for its future. This vital infrastructure, along with the S Jackson St Bridge, is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation to explore options for repair or complete replacement. We are now halfway through this crucial study, and have completed the Level 1 Evaluation, which investigated various rehabilitation and replacement concepts for both aging bridges. Currently, we are advancing into the Level 2 Evaluation, conducting a more detailed analysis of the most promising solutions for the 2nd Street Bridge and its counterpart.
Key Discoveries from Level 1 Evaluation
The initial Level 1 Evaluation has revealed several important factors concerning the 2nd Street Bridge project. Firstly, construction in this area presents significant logistical hurdles. The project site is situated within a highly active transportation network, accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, public transit, and vehicular traffic, along with a functioning railway line beneath Bridge 7, part of the 2nd Street Bridge structure. All potential rehabilitation and replacement approaches will inevitably cause varied disruptions to transportation operations in the vicinity.
Another key finding is that any rehabilitation efforts for the 2nd Street Bridge must adhere to current design standards and extend the bridge’s lifespan by a minimum of 25 years to justify the necessary investment. Further investigation is needed to ascertain whether the rehabilitation options can realistically meet these essential prerequisites.
For replacement options concerning Bridge 7, it will be mandatory to meet modern railroad clearance regulations. Elevating Bridge 7 to achieve these minimum clearances would necessitate raising adjacent streets and structures to ensure a seamless transition for street-level traffic.
Our bridge study process has actively incorporated valuable technical insights from our partner agencies and public feedback gathered from related planning initiatives in the Jackson Hub vicinity. Throughout the Level 1 Evaluation phase, the project team collaborated closely with subject matter experts and participated in South Downtown Hub Workshops to gain insights into community-supported developments in the area.
The study is anticipated to conclude in the winter. For those interested in receiving future updates and engagement opportunities, subscribing to the 2nd Ave & Jackson Bridge Study email list is recommended. This subscription can be found under the “Traffic and Construction” section.
Study Overview and Objectives
The core objective of the 2nd Ave S Extension and S Jackson St Bridge Planning Study is to assess the repair or replacement needs of two aging bridges within the Jackson Hub area. These bridges are Bridge 33W (S Jackson St between 4th Ave S and 5th Ave S) and Bridge 7 (2nd Ave S Ext between S Jackson St and 4th Ave S), collectively referred to and primarily focused on as the 2nd Street Bridge for broader understanding.
This study is instrumental in formulating a long-term strategy for these critical bridge structures and will inform ongoing planning and design work, potentially leading to future repair, retrofitting, or replacement. In the years ahead, the city will actively seek funding and determine the optimal timing for these subsequent steps.
Study Timeline and Key Milestones
The 2nd Street Bridge study is being conducted across several phases:
- Fall 2023: Study Kickoff
- Winter 2024: Data collection, initial analyses, and definition of evaluation criteria
- Spring/Summer 2024: Ongoing analyses and concept development
- Summer/Fall 2024: Alternatives analysis and evaluation
- Winter 2025: Study completion
Background and Context
The Jackson Hub area is a major multimodal transportation center in Seattle, serving as a central point for King County Metro buses, private bus operators, Sound Transit and Amtrak light rail and passenger services, the First Hill Streetcar, and BNSF freight trains. It also forms a crucial link between Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square and Chinatown/International District neighborhoods. This area features a complex network of nine bridges, often not immediately apparent.
As part of the Levy to Move Seattle initiative, funding has been allocated to investigate the future of two key bridges in this area: Bridge 33 W (South Jackson St between 4th Ave and 5th Ave) and Bridge 7 (2nd Ave S Ext between S Jackson St and 4th Ave), again, often referred to collectively as the 2nd Street Bridge project. This study is a component of SDOT’s Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement Program, aimed at gaining a clearer understanding of Seattle’s bridge maintenance needs and preparing for future infrastructure investments.
As Seattle develops its vision for the Jackson Hub area, this study will consider both replacement and rehabilitation options for the structures under review, ensuring they align with this future vision. The study will take into account various modes of transportation, future environmental and transit objectives, agency requirements, neighborhood impacts, and community feedback throughout the process.
Collaboration with Technical Agency Committee and Community
The Technical Agency Committee (TAC), comprising stakeholders from SDOT, Sound Transit, BNSF, King County Metro, WSDOT, Amtrak, Seattle Public Utilities, and Seattle City Light, is assisting the project team throughout the study. The TAC has convened five times during the Level 1 Evaluation to refine evaluation criteria and develop study concepts and will continue its involvement through Level 2 Evaluation and study completion.
Furthermore, this study integrates considerations for other planned projects in the area and community visions for future transportation and public spaces. SDOT has been collaborating with partner agencies and participating in South Downtown Hub planning workshops, incorporating community feedback from three workshops into the evaluation criteria and concept alternatives.
