November 2009
- Crews are currently retrofitting various I-5 bridges in Mountlake Terrace and Tukwila.
- We have finished work at I-5 and SR 104 in Edmonds and are near completion on I-5 at 220th St SW in Mountlake Terrace, and on I-5 at Interurban Avenue in Tukwila.
- Check the construction update report for information on construction activities and lane closures.
- To learn more about projects in Snohomish County, sign up for regular e-mail updates.
Overview
We will retrofit 19 bridges on or near I-5 from central King County to south Snohomish County. Six of these bridges are located in Tukwila, and 13 are located in Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood. These retrofits will bring all 19 bridges up to current seismic standards.
Why is WSDOT
retrofitting bridges on I-5?
Earthquakes pose substantial risks to transportation infrastructure in Washington State. Completing seismic improvements to select bridges along I-5 in Tukwila and Lynnwood will reduce the risk of serious damage or failure during an earthquake.
This project is part of WSDOT’s Seismic Retrofit Program, which attempts to minimize and avoid catastrophic bridge failures throughout Washington by strengthening bridges and structures to resist future earthquakes. Over 900 bridges are scheduled for improvement under the program.
The End Result
We will retrofit 19 bridges to bring them up to current seismic standards. Improvements will focus on the individual needs of each bridge, which may include:
- Reinforcing bridge columns by wrapping them in steel jackets
- Adding concrete blocks between girders to prevent lateral movement during an earthquake
- Widening the concrete block on top of the bridge columns to enhance their stability
Project Benefits
Seismic retrofit improvements will preserve bridge infrastructure along I-5 and enhance driver safety in the event of an earthquake.
What is the project timeline?
- July 2008: We advertised this project for competitive bids.
- Sept. 5, 2008: We awarded this contract to the most competitive bidder, Granite Northwest, Inc.
- October 2008: We expect to begin construction.
- Late 2010: We expect to complete construction.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $12.5 million
- Pre-existing funds: $300,000
- Total funding from all sources: $12.8 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer Amir Ahmadi
9029 El Capitan Way
Everett, WA 98208
425-225-8700
ahmadi@wsdot.wa.gov
or
WSDOT Communications Meghan Pembroke
15700 Dayton Ave N
Seattle, WA 98133
206-440-4704
pembrom@wsdot.wa.gov
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