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Seattle, Washington / History

North Queen Anne Drive Bridge

A historic 1936 steel-and-concrete deck arch bridge spanning Wolf Creek, recognized as a Seattle city landmark for its unique engineering style.

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North Queen Anne Drive Bridge
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is the North Queen Anne Drive Bridge known for?

It is a deck arch bridge spanning Seattle's Wolf Creek that was designated a Seattle city landmark on December 28, 1981, due to its unique engineering style.

When was the bridge built?

The steel and concrete structure was completed in 1936 to replace a previous wood-constructed crossing.

What is the bridge made of?

The bridge is a 238-foot long steel and concrete structure.

Has the bridge been damaged by earthquakes?

Yes, during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, an expansion joint suffered spalling and cracking. The bridge has since been retrofitted to improve its earthquake resistance.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The North Queen Anne Drive Bridge is a distinguished deck arch bridge that spans Seattle's Wolf Creek. Constructed in 1936, this 238-foot steel-and-concrete structure was built to replace an earlier wood-constructed crossing, marking a transition to more durable materials in the city's early twentieth-century infrastructure. Because of its unique engineering style, the bridge was officially designated as a Seattle city landmark on December 28, 1981. This recognition highlights the architectural significance of the steel arch design, which continues to serve as a vital link in the neighborhood's road network. Over the decades, the bridge has faced geological challenges. During the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, the structure suffered cracking and spalling in an expansion joint. In response to these damages, the bridge has since been retrofitted to improve its earthquake resistance, ensuring its longevity as a historic landmark. Today, the bridge remains a quiet example of the city's engineering history, maintained by the City of Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). It stands as one of several landmarked bridges within the Queen Anne neighborhood, contributing to the overall character of the hill's historic transportation corridors.

Visitor tips

  • Walk along the bridge deck to appreciate the steel arch architecture from above.
  • Look for the expansion joints that were retrofitted after the 2001 earthquake.
  • Allow a few minutes to walk down toward Wolf Creek to see the arch structure from below.
  • Be mindful of traffic as this is an active road bridge.

Nearby context

Located in the residential heart of Queen Anne, the North Queen Anne Drive Bridge is part of a collection of landmarked bridges that define the neighborhood's hilly terrain. It sits within a corridor that is seeing active transportation updates, such as the recent Queen Anne Ave N Protected Bike Lane Extension project.

Sources

Evidence and links