Fremont Bridge, Seattle

The Fremont Bridge, located in Seattle, is a bascule bridge with two movable leaves that stretches across the Fremont Cut. It serves as a vital link between Fremont Avenue North and 4th Avenue North, connecting the vibrant neighborhoods of Fremont and Queen Anne. The Fremont Bridge was inaugurated on June 15, 1917, initially for trolleys and later for all vehicles.

Among the four city bascule bridges crossing the canal, the Fremont Bridge takes the lead as the pioneer, followed by the Ballard Bridge (1917), University Bridge (1919), and Montlake Bridge (1925). Recognizing its historical significance, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and holds the distinction of being a designated city landmark.

During its early years, before the Aurora Bridge was constructed nearby in 1932, the Fremont Bridge boasted the highest vehicular traffic among all bascule bridges in the United States. Even today, it remains one of the busiest drawbridges globally and the most frequently opened bascule bridge in the United States.

The Fremont Bridge changed from green to Fremont Orange in 1972, approved by residents. The blue and orange color scheme was chosen by voters in 1985. In 2006, a restoration project replaced approaches, renovated mechanical/electrical systems, and the bridge was repainted in 2014.

In February 2018, a permanent art installation was introduced to commemorate the centennial of the bridge and two other bascule bridges of the ship canal. This initiative was part of an artist residency program. The Fremont Bridge received the first of three dynamic lighting designs.

Tip:
Stop right in the middle of the pedestrian walkway to watch the sunset over the canal.