News Release

News Release Greg Nickels, Mayor Grace Crunican, Director Contact: Rick Sheridan, 206-684-8540 October 23, 2009 For Immediate Release

West Seattle Bridge Ceremonially Renamed the “Jeanette Williams Memorial Bridge” SEATTLE – In an event held underneath a span of the West Seattle Bridge, the city of Seattle today ceremonially renamed the structure the “Jeanette Williams Memorial Bridge.” Before family, friends and supporters of the late councilmember, the city unveiled the roadway signs that will highlight this honor in an event hosted by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and members of the Seattle City Council. “Councilmember Jeanette Williams led the fight to reconnect West Seattle to the rest of the city by building the high rise bridge,” said Grace Crunican, director of the Seattle Department of Transportation. “Given her tireless efforts to build this important structure, it is a fitting tribute to the late councilmember.” In July the Seattle City Council approved a resolution to give the bridge the secondary name of the “Jeanette Williams Memorial Bridge.” Signs at each end of the structure will highlight this designation, though maps and signs on roadways such as I-5 will continue to call it the West Seattle Bridge. “The bridge is a visual reminder of the strong and visionary leadership of Jeanette Williams. She forged the political will in the city, won the support of Senator Warren Magnuson and brought years of debate and indecision to an end. Naming the bridge in her honor is appropriate and well deserved,” stated Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. Carrying 110,000 vehicles daily, the bridge is a critical link between the neighborhood of West Seattle and other parts of the city. Rising 150 feet above the Duwamish River, the 2,607 foot long structure is the longest bridge in the city inventory and remains the largest public works project undertaken by the city. Signs indicating the ceremonial name of the span have already been installed on the bridge and will be uncovered by the Seattle Department of Transportation over the next few days. The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect the city with the region. ###

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