Project Facts
- WSDOT is working to upgrade all bridges in the Puget Sound area to current seismic standards.
- Central Puget Sound has two seismic zones with the highest ground movement in the state.
- The 2005 Transportation Partnership Package includes funding for more bridge projects in the region.
September 2008
- Crews are installing steel jackets on 90 columns at 15 bridges on I-5 and SR 900.
- Most of the work occurs underneath the bridges, however, we have a couple of columns in the I-5 median and right shoulder of northbound I-5 between the HOV lane and the Corson northbound off-ramp that still need to be fitted.
- View weekly construction update reports, including lane closures.
WSDOT will seismically retrofit 15 bridges on or near I-5 in South Seattle and on SR 900 in Renton. These retrofits will bring the bridges up to current seismic standards. These bridges include:
- I-5/I-90 interchange
- I-5/Spokane Street interchange
- I-5/Albro/Swift/Corson/Michigan interchange
- SR 900/112th Ave. SE undercrossing
Why is WSDOT
seismically retrofitting bridges on I-5 and SR 900?
Bringing these bridges up to current seismic standards will reduce the chance of catastrophic failure during an earthquake.
The End Result
The bridge columns will be better able to withstand seismic stress caused by an earthquake. Catcher blocks will help prevent girders from falling off bridge piers during an earthquake.
Project Benefits
Once retrofitted, the bridges will be able to better withstand an earthquake. This project is part of WSDOT’s seismic retrofit plan to strengthen more than 900 bridges statewide.
What is the project timeline?
- Construction began: December 2007
- Estimated completion: September 2008
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. If you have further questions or comments, please contact the project office.
Environmental Protection
Crews will filter stormwater runoff from the roadway and construction activities. Wetlands will be identified and protected by construction fencing. Crews will also prepare erosion control tools including silt fences and check dams.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Once retrofitted, the bridges will be able to withstand greater seismic stress caused by earthquakes, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
To learn more about the tribal consultation process please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find links to WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (adopted by the Transportation Commission on February 19, 2003).
This project was determined to be exempt from Section 106 review per the Programmatic Agreement between Washington State Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the State Historic Preservation Officer signed July 18, 2000. Programmatic Exempt letters were sent to the Muckleshoot Tribe, Yakama Nation, and Duwamish Tribe on February 21, 2006.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following source:
- Pre-existing funds: $6.3 million
- Total funding from all sources: $6.3 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
John Lefotu
WSDOT Project Engineer
206-768-5647
LefotuJ@wsdot.wa.gov
Broch Bender
WSDOT Communications
206-440-4702
Benderb@wsdot.wa.gov
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