Bronson Way bridge closed for six weeks for painting and seismic retrofitting

The bridge will be closed for six weeks and will temporarily affect southbound on-ramps to I-405, 169, Sunset and Bronson.

By Bailey Jo Josie bailey.jo.josie@rentonreporter.com • September 22, 2022 4:07 pm
Construction costs for the Bronson Way bridge project are estimated at $2.3 million. Photo courtesy of the City of Renton.
Construction costs for the Bronson Way bridge project are estimated at $2.3 million. Photo courtesy of the City of Renton.

The Bronson Way bridge in Renton is closed for painting and an eventual seismic retrofit for the next six weeks.

From Sept. 23 to Nov. 4, this first phase of work on the bridge, which goes over the Cedar River, includes installing access for workers and containment systems, removing existing paint, and repairing damage from corrosion. A new protective paint system will be applied.

Suggested detour routes have been established, and northbound traffic on Main Avenue South and eastbound traffic on South 3rd Street will both turn onto Houser Way.

Southbound traffic will be detoured westbound onto North 4th Street and then southbound onto Logan Avenue.

Pedestrian and Cedar River detours have also been established. Pedestrains wanting to cross the bridge have two options: taking North 1st Street and then turning left onto Wells Ave and then left onto South Riverside Drive or walking southeast onto the Ceder River trail and then walking across the small walking bridge behind the Renton Library, continuing onto South 2nd Street and then turning right onto Bronson Way.

The Cedar River trail that leads onto North Riverside Drive will be closed so a detour has been designated as well.

For those heading north on the Cedar River trail, the detour requires turning right onto Bronson Way South (instead of continuing straight) and crossing both crosswalks on Bronson Way North and Park Avenue North.

Pedestrians will then turn left to cross North 1st Street before continuing north on North Street and then turning left onto Wells Avenue South and then making a right at North Riverside Drive and reuniting with the Cedar River trail.

Phase two of the construction work is expected to resume in early 2023 and will include bridge repair work, the seismic retrofitting and installing a new asphalt pavement.

Built in 1939, the Bronson Way bridge was last painted in 1999 and has never had a seismic retrofit, which would make the bridge resistant to earthquakes, soil failure and other ground motion.

Updates on the project can be found on the City of Renton website where residents are able to sign up for an e-newsletter on the project updates. A construction hotline can be reached at 425-224-2449.

Due to the Bronson Way bridge closure, drivers are encouraged to follow the detours detailed on this map. Image courtesy of the City of Renton.

Due to the Bronson Way bridge closure, drivers are encouraged to follow the detours detailed on this map. Image courtesy of the City of Renton.

During the bridge closure, the pedestrian detour includes parts of the Cedar River trail and walking alongside the Renton Library, as shown on this map. Image courtesy of the City of Renton.
The Cedar River trail detour is required due to the temporary closure of North Riverside Drive between Bronson Way South and Wells Avenue, as shown on this map. Image courtesy of the City of Renton.