View larger map.
Looking southwest over the Aurora Bridge, which is 2,945 feet long, 70 feet wide and 167 feet above Lake Union (about the height of a 15-story building). 
Looking southeast over the Aurora Bridge, which links the Queen Anne and Fremont neighborhoods of Seattle.
November 2009
- WSDOT has awarded the contract to build and install the Aurora Bridge Fence to Massana Construction of Gig Harbor.
- Massana Construction submitted the low bid of $2.9 million. Fence installation should start in early 2010.
- WSDOT engineers have completed fence design. See views of what the fence will look like from several perspectives.
- In June the City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board approved WSDOT's certificate of approval application for the Aurora Bridge Fence project.
- View our design workbook (pdf 3316 kb) to learn how our design has evolved. Our final design concept is on page 59 of this chronological document.
- On Sunday, March 29, we attached a mockup of a fence panel to the bridge to better visualize what the fence will look like. View a flickr photo gallery of the mockup panel on the bridge.
Why is WSDOT
designing a fence for the Aurora Bridge?
A recent increase in the number of suicide attempts from the bridge and comments from people who live and work in the densely populated area compelled the City of Seattle, King County, WSDOT and community members to take action.
The aftermath of these suicides affects more people than just those who commit or attempt suicide and their families. They significantly affect people who live and work below the bridge. These people must experience the aftermath of suicides and suicide attempts. Emergency response staff also put themselves at risk attempting to rescue people in this hazardous waterway.
The End Result
A fence along the outer railing of the bridge will prevent people from falling or jumping off of the bridge.
Project Benefits
Safety: A fence will help prevent people from jumping or falling from the Aurora Bridge. In addition, a fence will help protect those who live, work and play below the bridge. These people are at risk of physical harm when someone jumps or falls from the bridge and are often traumatized by this experience.
We also want to enhance safety for emergency responders, for example, those who must make emergency dives into the murky and debris-filled waters of the Ship Canal to attempt to save people who jump from the Aurora Bridge.
What is the project timeline?
- December 2006: Suicide prevention signs and phones installed on the Aurora Bridge.
- 2007: Cost estimates submitted for consideration in the 2008 session of the Washington State Legislature.
- March 2008: The state Legislature approved $1.5 million in design funding.
- Spring 2008: start of project design.
- July - October 2008: advisory committee meetings
- May 2009 -- Governor Gregoire signs the transportation budget for the 2009-11 biennium. The budget includes construction funding for the Aurora Bridge Fence.
- August 2009: WSDOT advertises the project to contractors for competitive bidding
- September 2009: award contract to most competitive bidder
- Early 2010: start construction
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- Existing funds - $4.6 milliion
- Total funding available from all sources - $4.6 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Greg Phipps
WSDOT Communications
401 Second Avenue S., Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-464-1265
E-mail: phippsg@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top