Dr. José Rizal Bridge
Repainting Project

We’ve repainted 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? 

Repainting work is now complete on the historic Dr. José Rizal Bridge, a vital link connecting Chinatown-International District and Beacon Hill. This important maintenance effort helps preserve the bridge's legacy while keeping it safe and reliable for everyone who uses it.

Want to learn more? Read this SDOT blog post.

View of the Dr José Rizal Bridge with downtown and Elliott Bay in the background (SDOT, December 2025).

Repainting is a critical part of preserving this and other bridges, as it helps prevent corrosion and rust caused by rain and other weather, while shielding the structure from environmental damage that can compromise its long-term strength.

Inspection of bridge structure after lead paint removed and prior to zinc primer and final paint application. Photo: SDOT

Before (left) and after (right) photos of a repainted section of the Dr. José Rizal Bridge. Photos: SDOT

As part of this work, we removed existing lead-based paint to reduce the risk of harmful materials impacting the surrounding environment. We remain committed to making these kinds of investments across our bridge network whenever possible to a safer, more sustainable, and resilient future.

Building Connections That Last

To learn more about the Dr. José Rizal Bridge and the repainting project, visit our project webpage. You can also explore our Bridge Program webpage to see how we're caring for bridges across the city and planning future maintenance to keep these vital connections safe and reliable.

Best regards,

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