Construction starting on Yesler Way Bridge: What to expect

SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle’s Department of Transportation is making safety improvement and upgrades to the Yesler Way Bridge starting Monday.

Construction could last into fall of 2017.

The 100-plus-year-old bridge serves as a major connection point across I-5 going east to west.

The bridge is closed to all cars, bicycles and pedestrians.

Yesler Way is closed at Third Avenue to between Fifth and Sixth avenues. Local access will be maintained to the alley off Terrace Street from Fifth Avenue.

Roughly 30 bus routes will be forced to take alternate routes. Some bus stations will be temporarily relocated.

Bike routes are detoured as well and dozens of parking spots are restricted on Yesler Way, Terrace Street and Fourth and Fifth avenues.

Work hours are typically Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend and nighttime will be required as well, and there will be noise from construction equipment.

Business and residential access will be maintained.

You can see a list of street and sidewalk closures during construction here.

SDOT has spent the last two years negotiating with the Pioneer Square Preservation Board and the community.  SDOT agreed to preserve decorative pedestrian railings and ornamental girder columns.

After construction, SDOT says the bridge will look similar to how it does today, but will offer improved safety for people walking, biking and driving over it.

The total project budget is estimated at $19.8 million. Funding is coming from the Federal Highway Bridge program and the Bridging the Gap transportation levy.

BGT was passed in November 2006.

Cox Media Group