Stay Informed: Dr. José Rizal Bridge Repainting Project

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 05/19/2025 04:25 PM PDT
Seattle Department of Transportation logo

Stay Informed: Dr. José Rizal Bridge Repainting Project

We’re repainting the historic Dr. José Rizal Bridge, a steel bridge built in 1911, to ensure it remains functional and safe for future generations.

Worker on steel beams inside bridge frame, wearing safety gear, with scaffolding and containment sheeting visible.

A crew member is safely secured inside the structural frame of Dr. José Rizal Bridge, surrounded by scaffolding and a containment tent during sandblasting work (May 2025, SDOT).

What’s Happening Now? 

  • We’re safely removing old paint from the Dr. José Rizal Bridge’s surface using sandblasting, which is a way to clean surfaces by blowing tiny pieces of sand at high speed.
  • We have installed a sealed containment tent under the bridge to catch old paint, rust, and debris, to keep them out of the air and off the ground.
  • This work will continue throughout the summer.

How Will this Impact You?

  • Sandblasting is noisy.
  • Our work will take place on weekdays during the day. Schedules may change but we'll keep you up to date. 
View of Dr. José Rizal Bridge with containment tent installed under and along the side during repainting work.

A sealed containment tent wraps part of the Dr. José Rizal Bridge to catch old paint, rust, and debris during paint removal work (May 2025, SDOT).

Traffic Reminders

  • The eastbound bike lane may occasionally be blocked for short times when crews deliver materials or load removed paint from the bridge into transport vehicles for environmentally-safe disposal.
  • Flaggers will be present to control traffic and keep everyone safe by directing bikes and cars to travel through the work zone at different times.
  • Water-filled barricades will remain in place throughout the project. Concrete barriers will be reinstalled in phases, with the full barrier system restored when the project is completed in 2026.

Keeping You Updated

We’re committed to keeping you informed as the project progresses. Visit our website for regular updates, or feel free to email us with any questions.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to preserve this historic landmark.

Best,

Trilce Villalobos, outreach lead
Visit our website: Dr. José Rizal Bridge Repainting Project
Contact us at joserizalbridge@seattle.gov | 206-529-4295