Arboretum Sewer Trestle
historic place
The Arboretum Sewer Trestle, also known as the Arboretum Aqueduct, is a historic place located in Seattle, King County, Washington. Construction of this structure was completed in 1910, and it officially opened for use in 1911. The trestle was designed by Wilcox & Sayward, with architect Walter Ross Baumes Willcox playing a key role. It serves a dual purpose: carrying the North Trunk Sewer and providing a footbridge for pedestrians across Lake Washington Boulevard. The structure is built from concrete and steel, featuring a brick facade, and measures approximately 180 feet in length. Even in 1912, the Arboretum Sewer Trestle was recognized for its architectural merit, considered a significant piece of ornamental bridge architecture rather than solely a functional sewer structure. Its historical and architectural value led to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and it also holds city landmark status. This site is important for demonstrating how early 20th-century engineering could integrate essential infrastructure with aesthetic design.