Fairview Ave N Bridge. Photo Credit: Rory Cameron of Perteet The Fairview Ave N Bridge has won two awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA)!
- The National Public Works Project of the Year award
- The Washington State chapter Public Works Project of the Year award
The awards were won in the Structures category, in the $25 million-$75 million division.
Built in 1948, the old Fairview Ave N Bridge was Seattle’s last wooden bridge supporting a public road. Rebuilding this aging and vulnerable bridge was included as part of the Levy to Move Seattle package passed by voters in 2015.
The new bridge, which we opened in July 2021, restored a critical connection between Eastlake and South Lake Union – the gateways to Downtown – and makes it easier and safer for everyone to travel along Fairview Ave N. The bridge is one of the most significant investments of your Levy to Move Seattle tax dollars.
“This is a huge achievement for our team on a project that has been a high point in our careers. We’re all very honored to receive both awards from our peers and to be in the company of so many great and exciting Public Works projects that were recognized this year. This is why I love doing what I do at the Seattle Department of Transportation and seeing how our work results in tangible improvements for the community and the transportation network. It is gratifying to be able to experience the bridge in person after having seen it in plans and on paper for so many years. People can now use it to watch seaplanes take off, launch kayaks/paddle boards, walk or jog along the Cheshiahud Loop Trail, and enjoy the great views. This bridge is beautiful and really encapsulates all the great Lake Union interactions and views Seattle has to offer.” – MariLyn Yim, SDOT Project Manager for the Fairview Ave N Bridge
About the awards:
“APWA is honored to celebrate the 2021 Projects of the Year awards. The award recipients exemplify infrastructure projects that are planned, designed, constructed, and maintained to advance the quality of life for all in their communities. With the challenges of failing infrastructure across North America, public works projects are critical to rebuilding our resiliency and telling our story to support infrastructure funding. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, our public works heroes continued to deliver on their projects. I am proud and inspired by all of our public works members who continue to deliver outstanding, selfless services to their communities, even in times of a pandemic and emergencies. I am so excited to celebrate these Project of the Year recipients and look forward to meeting you in St. Louis at PWX!” – APWA President Mary Joyce Ivers, CPFP, PWLF
In addition to seismic and structural safety improvements, the new bridge offers improvements for all travelers.
There are now sidewalks on both sides of the street and a protected 12-foot two-way bike lane on the west side of the bridge overlooking the water. The floating walkway along the water below the west side of the bridge has also been restored, with three new lookout platforms overlooking Lake Union.
“The beauty of the Project of the Year Awards is that they highlight the amazing collaborative efforts to build and rebuild America’s infrastructure. Every year, I am amazed at the innovation and vision the award recipients share to improve quality of life for the public.” – APWA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott D. Grayson, CAE
Congratulations to everyone involved in developing the new Fairview Ave N Bridge!
About APWA: The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, with an office in Washington, D.C., 63 chapters, and 97 branches throughout North America.
