Fremont Bridge

The Fremont Bridge is a double-leaf bascule bridge that spans the Lake Washington Ship Canal, connecting the Fremont and Queen Anne neighborhoods. Its distinctive blue and orange structure rises above the waterway with a clear industrial design.

The bridge opened in June 1917 and was the first of four bascule bridges the city built across the Lake Washington Ship Canal. It represented an important infrastructure advancement for Seattle's growing neighborhoods.

Local residents selected the bright blue and orange colors during a 1985 street fair, making the bridge's appearance a reflection of community choice and an instantly recognizable symbol in the neighborhood.

The bridge opens regularly to allow boats through, especially during daytime hours, which means traffic pauses periodically. Pedestrians and cyclists have full access and can enjoy views of the canal and surrounding areas from the span.

The bridge opens more frequently than almost any other drawbridge in the country due to its low clearance over the water and the steady flow of boats passing through. This constant motion makes it a distinctive feature of Seattle's waterfront infrastructure.

Location: Washington

Official opening: June 15, 1917

GPS coordinates: 47.64750,-122.35000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55