Stay Informed: Dr. José Rizal Bridge Project Updates

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Stay Informed: Dr. José Rizal Bridge Repainting

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?

We continue to make progress on removing the old lead paint, priming, and repainting the Dr. José Rizal Bridge. We are using eco-friendly paint in the same color - WSDOT/SDOT Forest Green. Our work will preserve and revitalize this historic structure and ensure its continued safety and durability for all who travel through this important corridor.

Upcoming Work on Bridge Deck

In the coming weeks, crew members will start working on repainting the light poles on the bridge deck. An update about any necessary detours will be sent out before we begin this restoration work.

Dr. José Rizal Bridge with city view

(SDOT photo)

View of city from the deck of the Dr. José Rizal Bridge.

Lookback on last few months of work

As we wrap up the last week of August and start to move into the fall season, here are some before and after photos of the progress we've made over the last several months.

Old existing coating with lead before blasting

(SDOT photo)

Structural areas of corrosion identified for repair and/or replacement.

Bridge steel beam with paint removed and primed next to old lead paint

(SDOT Photo)

Area of lead paint completely removed next to existing lead coating.

Under deck view of bridge with old paint removed, primed and ready for paint.

(SDOT Photo)

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

Bridge railing detail before restoration work.

(SDOT photo)

Bridge railing detail before restoration work begins.

Bridge girder span after lead remediation and primer and finish coat applied.

(SDOT photo)

Bridge box girder (cross-frames) after lead paint removal and five coat protective application complete.

Crew member testing film thickness of primer before finish coat is applied.

(SDOT photo)

Inspector performing environmental condition testing for compliance before five coat protective application.

Bridge railing detail after restoration work completed.

(SDOT photo)

Bridge railing detail after restoration work completed.

Crew quality control team members and painters doing touch up work on the finish coat surface of the bridge.

(SDOT photo)

Crew quality control team member and painter doing touch up work on the finish coat surface of the bridge.

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