Dr. José Rizal Bridge Project Updates

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 06/18/2025 02:58 PM PDT
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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.

What’s Happening Now? 

Work removing the old paint from the José Rizal Bridge continues on-site inside the containment tent. We anticipate this portion of the project to be completed in the summer, after which the repainting portion will start and continue through 2026.

Workers wearing hazmat suits and respirators remove paint from the José Rizal.

A crew member in safety gear removes old paint from the José Rizal Bridge (June 2025, SDOT).

Mountain to Sounds Greenway Trail

We have great news for bicyclists and pedestrians who use the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail. We will not be detouring around the Dr. José Rizal Bridge during this project. Intermittent closures that could last up to an hour may occur, but flaggers will help direct bicyclists and pedestrians safely through the work zone during those closures.

Dr. José Rizal Bridge – A Historical Timeline 

  • 1909 – The Dearborn Street regrade project begins.
  • 1911 - As part of the regrade project, the 12th Ave S Bridge was built, connecting the International District to Beacon Hill.
  • 1917 – A mudslide destroys the southern timber approach, shifting the bridge.
  • 1924 – The timber approaches were replaced with concrete, and trolley lines removed, making way for a 42-foot-wide
  • 1974 – The bridge was renamed in honor of the Filipino patriot, Dr. José Rizal.
  • 1981 – The bridge and nearby Dr. José Rizal Park are formally dedicated.
  • 1982 – The National Register of Historic Places lists the bridge under its original name.
  • Mid-1990s – The bridge received seismic upgrades.
  • 2007 – It is recognized as Washington state’s oldest steel-arch bridge.
  • 2021 – Four vehicle lanes on the bridge were reduced to two to accommodate the addition of two protected bicycle lanes.
  • 2025 – The bridge undergoes a repainting project so that it remains safe and functional for future generations.

Sources: historylink.org, theclio.com, wikiwand.com, depts.washington.edu/civil/rizal_report

Black and white image of steel bridge with railroad tracks, instead of street, underneath it.

The Dearborn Street regrade, 1912 (Seattle Municipal Archives).

Bridge completely collapsed in one section.

The damage caused by the 1917 mudslide (Seattle Municipal Archives).

Keeping You Updated

We’ll continue to share updates on our project website as work progresses. If you have any questions or need additional details, you can contact us at joserizalbridge@seattle.gov or call (206) 529-4295. 

Please sign up for our email update list by clicking here.

Best regards,

Outreach Team
Visit our website: Dr. José Rizal Bridge Repainting Project
Contact us at joserizalbridge@seattle.gov | 206-529-4295