We are excited to announce the successful completion of the Seismic Retrofit project on the W Howe St Bridge! We extend our sincere gratitude for your patience and cooperation throughout the past year of construction.
These vital seismic upgrades significantly reinforce the bridge’s ability to withstand seismic events, such as earthquakes, ensuring greater safety and resilience for our community. Over the last twelve months, our dedicated teams have diligently worked to:
- Strengthen the bridge’s essential structural components including crossbeams, columns, arches, and arch support struts.
- Thoroughly cleaned and repainted the bridge, enhancing its appearance and protecting it from the elements.
- Installed robust concrete blocks and supportive shells to provide additional reinforcement to the bridge’s columns and crossbeams.
- Expertly repaired cracks within the bridge’s concrete structure, maintaining its integrity.
- Replaced the expansion joint at the east end of the bridge to effectively stabilize movement and improve long-term durability.
- Restored the surrounding slope and introduced new landscaping, revitalizing the area around the bridge.
Maintaining our infrastructure is paramount to ensuring a healthy, vibrant, and well-connected Seattle. Thank you for partnering with us in enhancing the resilience of the W Howe St Bridge for the benefit of everyone!
Project Overview: Enhancing Seattle’s Infrastructure for Earthquake Resilience
Seattle faces considerable risks from potential earthquakes, making proactive infrastructure reinforcement crucial. To mitigate these seismic risks, the City of Seattle initiated the bridge seismic retrofit program. This program systematically assesses the seismic vulnerability of bridges across the city and strategically allocates limited resources to strengthen critical transportation infrastructure.
The W Howe St Bridge was identified as a priority for seismic upgrades as part of the Levy to Move Seattle initiative, with a total of 16 bridges selected for retrofitting. Originally constructed in 1946, before modern seismic design codes were established, the W Howe St Bridge plays a vital role in providing an alternative route across 32nd Ave W, serving the neighborhood along the southwest edge of the Magnolia community. This upgrade ensures this crucial route remains dependable even after a significant seismic event.
The seismic retrofit work implemented on the W Howe St Bridge was designed to reinforce key structural elements, significantly improving its ability to withstand earthquakes. Key aspects of this work included:
- Reinforcing existing braced frames, critical connection points, and column anchor bolts at the footings to enhance structural stability.
- Replacing bridge bearings to ensure smoother load distribution and accommodate seismic movement.
- Minimizing movement at the bridge ends using beam supports and catcher blocks, further stabilizing the structure during seismic activity.
- Comprehensive bridge painting to protect against corrosion and extend the bridge’s lifespan.
- Landscaping restoration to reinstate areas disturbed during the construction process, ensuring environmental harmony.
Project Timeline
| Phase | Status |
|---|---|
| 30% Design | Complete |
| 60% Design | Complete |
| Final Design | Complete |
| Construction | Complete |
| Project Completion | Winter 2020 |
Funding Secured Through Levy to Move Seattle
The W Howe St Bridge Seismic Retrofit project represents a total investment of $4.2 million. This critical funding is provided by the Levy to Move Seattle. This 9-year, $930 million levy, approved by Seattle voters in 2015, is dedicated to enhancing safety for all commuters, maintaining our vital street and bridge infrastructure, and investing in reliable and affordable transportation options for our growing city. The improvements to the Howe Street Bridge are a direct result of this levy’s commitment to a stronger, more resilient Seattle.
The completion of the W Howe St Bridge Seismic Retrofit project marks a significant step forward in safeguarding Seattle’s infrastructure against seismic threats. By strengthening this crucial bridge on Howe Street, we are enhancing the safety and reliability of our transportation network for years to come.
