The repainted Dr. Jose Rizal Bridge in Seattle, looking northwest. Photo: SDOT Blog stats: 600 words | 3-minute read
We recently finished repainting work on the historic Dr. Jose Rizal Bridge between Chinatown-International District and Beacon Hill. Unlike previous painting and maintenance efforts, this is the first time we completely removed all existing layers of decades-old, lead-based paint. This allowed us to refresh the bridge with new eco-friendly paint that meets modern environmental standards and will last for years to come.
The project was completed ahead of schedule. It had originally been planned for completion in early 2026, and we’re pleased to announce it was completed this December. We want to give a special thank you to everyone who worked on-site to get the work done safely and efficiently.
Why bridge painting matters
Repainting plays an important role in maintaining this and other bridges by preventing corrosion and rust buildup, especially from rain, and protecting the bridge from external environmental damage that can weaken its structural integrity.
We worked to keep the bridge well-maintained by removing the old lead-based paint, which helps prevent this kind of paint from contaminating the surrounding area. We’ll continue to make similar investments in our bridges wherever possible to help create a more sustainable and resilient environment.
These efforts help ensure the bridge can continue providing an accessible, reliable connection between Chinatown-International District and Beacon Hill, two distinctive Seattle neighborhoods, for future generations to come.
Funding
The Dr. Jose Rizal Bridge repainting is one of the many bridge improvement projects supported by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Improvement Program, which is funded in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021. We thank our federal delegation for their support. The project also includes funding from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
The bridge’s cultural history and significance
The historic Dr. José Rizal Bridge, originally named the 12th Avenue South Bridge, is a historic steel bridge built in 1911 which connects Seattle’s Chinatown-International District and Beacon Hill, two neighborhoods with a rich history as Asian American, working-class communities. The bridge is located southeast of downtown Seattle, and it crosses over both S Dearborn St and I-90.
Dr. José Rizal (1861-1896) was a Filipino leader and writer who championed independence from Spanish rule. Through his writings, he exposed colonial injustice and inspired Filipinos to stand up for change, eventually being cemented as a symbol of Filipino pride and resistance after his execution. The name of this great bridge, along with the dedication of the nearby Dr. José Rizal Park, celebrates Seattle’s thriving Filipino community and Rizal’s powerful legacy.
Words from the community
“We are pleased to see the bridge painting and restoration project completed. The Jose Rizal Bridge is an important connection between Little Saigon and the rest of South Seattle, so we are glad that pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike can enjoy their passage over the bridge again!” – Valerie Tran, Deputy Director, Friends of Little Saigon
Learn more
For more details about the bridge and the repainting project, visit our web page. Thanks for your interest!