Date:  Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Contact: Greg Phipps, WSDOT Communications, 206-464-1265 (Seattle)

SEATTLE –The Aurora Bridge Fence Project advisory committee will meet for the sixth and last time on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Room 109 at Seattle Pacific University's Otto Miller Hall, located at 3469 Third Ave. W. in Seattle. A public comment period will begin at 7:40 p.m. Those who do not wish to speak may submit written comments. Although this is the final committee meeting, the public may continue to review the latest design concepts and submit comments on the project Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/AuroraBridgeFence.

WSDOT is designing a fence that would deter people from jumping from the Aurora Bridge and to improve safety for those who reside, work and travel under the bridge.

WSDOT formed the advisory committee to reflect the interests of community, business and government groups. The committee helps identify key issues, and provides crucial feedback that helps WSDOT refine its fence design.

The Aurora Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. WSDOT will present its preferred design to the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board later this year.

The Washington State Legislature provided $1.5 million for the fence design last March, and will consider $5.9 million in construction funding during the 2009 legislative session. If the Legislature approves construction funding, and the Landmarks Preservation Board and the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation approve the preferred design, installation of the fence could begin in early 2010.

< Back to News Home