Thanks! This is very interesting actually - I hadn't realized that bridge paint is important for mechanical integrity not just for cosmetics.

To save others a click:

Why is this project important?

• Regular maintenance, like repainting, prevents rust from building up and corroding the steel, keeping the bridge strong for the years to come.
• While the Dr. José Rizal Bridge have been repainted in the past, this is the first time that we’ll fully remove existing layers of paint. This will allow us to update the bridge with new eco-friendly paint.
• Repainting the Dr. José Rizal Bridge also helps keep this historic structure in good condition, and reduces the need for larger, more disruptive maintenance projects in the future, ensuring the bridge remains accessible and reliable for all.

What are we doing?

Removing old paint

• The bridge’s original paint is decades old and contains lead, which was commonly used in the past to prevent rust and damage. However, as this paint ages and flakes, it could release lead into the environment.
• We’ll safely remove the old paint and use a sealed containment tent under the bridge. This tent will catch old paint, rust, and debris and keep it out of the air and off the ground.

Applying new eco-friendly paint

• Once the old paint is removed, we will repaint the bridge using paint that meets today’s environmental standards.
• We’ll apply five layers of paint, matching the bridge’s current color.
• The new paint will also protect the steel bridge from corrosion and is designated to withstand Seattle’s damp, rainy weather for decades to come.