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University Bridge Trolley Pole Replacement Project
Located in the City of Seattle, the University Bridge spans over the water connecting Lake Union and Portage Bay. There are 30 King County-owned poles on the bridge that need replacing.
Project overview
King County Metro is replacing the poles on the University Bridge. In 2014, two light poles failed and were replaced in 2018. An evaluation of the remaining 30 King County owned light and trolley poles was performed and revealed that each pole needed to be replaced.
These poles, and the foundations that support them, must be replaced to improve lighting and support reliable ongoing trolley bus service.
Once this project is complete, the new trolley framework will allow Metro to continue providing reliable, emission-free transit service between Capitol Hill, Eastlake and the University District. This work will also support the upgrade of the current Route 70 to the future RapidRide J Line. Once in service, the new RapidRide J Line will operate using Metro’s electric trolley fleet.
Metro is coordinating with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) RapidRide J Line (opens in a new window) project to minimize impacts and maintain a safe environment for the public and construction crews.
What's happening now
Construction activity on the University Bridge is scheduled to begin this fall, with expected completion by spring of 2027. Work will occur in five stages.
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Removal of Trolley Overhead Catenary System (OCS)
In the first phase, the Trolley Overhead Catenary System (OCS) will be removed on both sides of the bridge. This system provides power to the trolley buses through the wires that run above the road.
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Pole replacement on west side of the bridge
Old trolley poles will be removed on the southbound lane. Outdated pole and curb foundations will be demolished and rebuilt.
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Shift pole replacement work to the east side of bridge
Old trolley poles will be removed on the northbound lane. Outdated pole and curb foundations will be demolished and rebuilt.
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New OCS wire installation
Metro installs new OCS wires and poles on both sides of the bridge.
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Removal of temporary electrical power lines
Metro removes temporary electrical power lines on the north and sound ends of the bridge that helped provide electricity during the project.
Metro will continue to share information about what to expect and how to continue traveling in the area. We are reaching out to local communities in advance of construction, to notify them of possible impact. Considering other construction in the area, we are also coordinating with Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
Project timeline
Summer 2026
Community is informed about the project, how to prepare and how to reach out to the team with questions.
Fall 2026 to Winter 2027
Contractor begins pole and foundation replacement work and Metro continues to inform public about project progress and near completion.
Spring 2027
Project complete.
FAQ
The poles on the University Bridge are reaching the end of their life cycle and need to be replaced to prevent issues that can impact travel for riders using our buses.
King County Metro will perform the following work:
- Replace 30 trolley poles and foundations
- Add 2 new poles at the north end of the University Bridge to provide the electricity needed to run the new RapidRide J Line
- Replace electrical trolley wires and parts
- Replace the electrical cables and fuses at each pole location
- Replace all street and pedestrian lighting fixtures
One lane of traffic will be available in each direction at all times.
Yes, the draw bridge will remain in operation during the project.
Yes, to keep the project on schedule, some work will take place on weekends and potentially overnight to help minimize traffic delays and neighborhood impact. King County Metro will notify neighbors in the area prior to any overnight and weekend activity.
This project's timeline will overlap with WSDOT's Revive I-5 Ship Canal Bridge project (opens in a new window) and SDOT's RapidRide J Line project (opens in a new window). The trolley bus system needs to be replaced prior to the RapidRide J Line service launch, which includes the addition of two new poles at the north end of the bridge.
Construction will begin fall 2026 and continue until spring 2027.
Project is estimated for spring 2027 completion.
Traffic delays are expected. We encourage riders to sign up for Transit Alerts to receive email and/or text updates on your route.
Noise levels will be typical for high-impact construction, including excavation, jack hammering and saw-cutting.
Metro will reach out to neighbors near the project area before construction starts. Outreach will include in-person outreach and tabling at community events, distribution of post cards, project signage, and online engagement via email and text updates, blog post, website information and social media.
Once construction begins, notification of construction work will become more frequent, often by providing construction notices to businesses before work changes, continued tabling at community events, providing briefing requests and sending out project updates.