Date:
Friday, June 24, 2005
Contact:
Maureen Sullivan, SR 520 Bridge Project Director (206) 381-6436 (Seattle)
Jon Higgins, SR 520 Bridge Project Communications (206) 464-1184 (Seattle)
Bellevue – Monday, June 27, 6-8 p.m., St. Luke’s Church, 3030 Bellevue Way NE
Seattle – Tuesday, June 28, 6-8 p.m., Museum of History and Industry, 2700 24th Avenue East
The WSDOT SR 520 Bridge Project Team will be offering two public open houses (listed above) for the public to learn about the project alternatives, new options, environmental findings and to view new design visuals of the replacement plans.
First-time visitors can get caught up on the project by learning about the SR 520 Bridge’s earthquake and storm vulnerabilities, the project’s history and the two replacement alternatives (4-Lane and 6-Lane). All visitors are encouraged to speak with our project staff in person. Throughout each two-hour open house, the public and media will be able to converse with project experts in all fields.
It is WSDOT’s hope that the public understands the urgency involved in replacing the SR 520 Bridge; the reason for holding in-person events such as Monday and Tuesday’s open houses. SR 520 is a key transportation corridor that links heavily populated communities east and west of Lake Washington. Today the SR 520 Evergreen Point Bridge is reaching the end of its useful life. Like the Alaskan Way Viaduct, it is vulnerable to earthquakes, but also has a unique susceptibility to windstorms and waves.
The ultimate purpose of the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project is to replace the structure and increase the safety and mobility of people and goods in the SR 520 corridor. Given that the entire highway must be rebuilt, WSDOT is taking the opportunity to make further improvements that will serve travelers decades into the future. Both SR 520 replacement plans would provide a new pedestrian and bicycle path across the lake, treat stormwater run-off, reduce highway noise and provide room for future high capacity transit. The 6-Lane Alternative will also include one new HOV/transit lane in each direction.
The Washington State Legislature recently passed the Transportation Partnership bill, signed by Governor Gregoire that earmarks $500 million for the project. Future tolls will add an additional $700 million to that amount. Regional funding is still needed to fund the replacement. For more information visit the project Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR520Bridge.
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