This post was updated on 6/18/21 to reflect changes in the schedule due to weather.
Over two weekends, we’ll install vertical posts in the middle of the State Route 99 Aurora Bridge. All work will happen overnight.
The posts help make the center line, which separates the northbound and southbound lanes, more visible. Installing the posts is a near-term safety improvement while we work with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to plan a larger, long-term corridor safety project. People driving are encouraged to take alternate routes and to maintain a safe speed if driving through the work zone.
SR 99 Aurora Bridge closure details:
- From 10:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4 to 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, We’ll close the two middle lanes of the SR 99 Aurora Bridge to mark where the vertical posts will be installed on the bridge the following weekend. People driving are advised to maintain a safe speed if driving through the work zone.
- From 10:00 p.m. on Friday, June 18 to 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, we’ll close the four middle lanes of the bridge to install the vertical posts. This will leave a single lane open in both directions.
- People driving are encouraged to choose alternate routes like the Fremont Bridge. If you do use the Aurora Bridge, please slow down and maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone.
- Modifications to this schedule may be necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.
Installing the vertical posts will help improve safety along Aurora Ave N by making the center line more visible.
This short-term safety improvement will be in place for at least one year while we monitor traffic speeds, traffic volume trends, and safety data along the bridge and considers larger, long-term safety improvements.
We also plan to study larger scale safety improvements for the entire SR 99 Aurora Ave N corridor, including the Aurora Bridge. There have been a concerning number of traffic deaths and serious injuries along Aurora Ave N, and we and WSDOT are both committed to making the highway safer for all people walking, biking, and driving. We’re working to secure $2 million to plan a more substantial corridor-wide safety project.
State Senator Reuven Carlyle has championed efforts in Olympia to provide state funding for safety improvements on Aurora Ave N, including both the upcoming short-term bridge safety project and potential larger safety projects in the future.
“I’m thrilled our community secured this high-value, targeted public investment in safety in this year’s state budget” said Washington State Senator Reuven Carlyle. “Following the Aurora Bridge tragedy of 2015 and a tragic continuation of deadly crashes on the Aurora corridor, the City of Seattle and the state share a public and moral obligation to improve public safety on our iconic bridge. In recognition of those who’ve lost their lives, this effort to slow traffic represents a first step in our commitment to refocus on public safety. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Mayor Durkan for her continued partnership on this critical project. In addition, it’s also clear that we’re nowhere near finished and we need to do much more. I remain fully committed to working with my legislative colleagues and city leaders to pass a state transportation package that invests in public safety, pedestrian improvements, and bicycle access throughout the Aurora Avenue corridor.”