Magnolia Bridge Replacement Project

For Immediate Release: November 13, 2003

Contact: Marybeth Turner, Communications, (206) 684-8540
Kirk T. Jones, Project Manager, (206) 615-0862

What's the latest with the Magnolia Bridge?

How do you get to Magnolia? If it's by crossing the Magnolia Bridge, there's important information you need to know.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) identified three replacement alternatives and a "No Build" alternative to replace the current Magnolia Bridge. They will be sharing this information at a public meeting:

November 20
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Blaine K-8 School
2550 34th Avenue West

The alternatives will be included in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to study what impacts the project may have on both the natural and built environments. Once the EIS is completed in the fall of 2005, the City can begin pursuing construction funds to build the replacement.

The Magnolia Bridge sustained damage at both ends from 1997 landslides and again during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. Although currently safe, the cost of retrofitting and upgrading the bridge to current design standards approaches the cost of replacing the bridge. In addition, the cost of maintenance is increasing every year to keep this 70-year old bridge sound.

For more information, please contact SDOT Project Manager Kirk Jones, 206-615-0862, or send e-mail to kirkt.jones@seattle.gov.