Stay Informed: Dr. José Rizal Bridge Project Updates

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 09/26/2025 04:16 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? 

Sidewalk detours for upcoming restoration work

This week, we are setting up equipment on the southern section of the bridge deck. This rigging equipment is for upcoming handrail and light pole paint restoration work. Starting as soon as Friday, October 3, we will begin the restoration process. 

The handrail work will take place inside a tent to contain dust and debris. Because the tent containment encroaches on pedestrian access minimums, we will close each bridge sidewalk while the crew completes their work. There will always be one bridge sidewalk open for pedestrian access during the restoration process.

Note: The bridge will remain open to vehicle and bike traffic during this work. A flagger will be on site during active construction to guide people biking, if needed.

Sidewalk Closure Schedule

  • Friday, October 3 to Friday, October 17 - east side sidewalk from the intersection of S Charles St and 12th Ave S to S Lane St will be closed. 
  • Monday, October 20 to Monday, November 3 - west side sidewalk from the intersection fo S Charles St and 12th Ave S to S Lane St will be closed. 

Sidewalk closures and pedestrian detours will be in place. Please follow posted signs for the safest route. Due to the nature of construction work, this schedule is subject to change.

Crew members installing equipment before beginning handrail restoration on the José Rizal Bridge

Crew members installing rigging equipment before beginning handrail restoration on the southern section of the José Rizal Bridge (September 2025, SDOT).

Project Milestone!

We recently passed the halfway point milestone of the Dr. José Rizal Bridge Repainting Project. 

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