Updated: Oct. 24, 2012
Visit the SR 520 Bridge Information Web page for currently schedule drawspan openings.
SR 520 drawspan hours posted
After consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard, hours for drawspan openings on the SR 520 bridge have been adjusted.
Openings are prohibited during peak commute times of 6:30-10 a.m. (previously 6-9 a.m.) and 3-7 p.m. (previously 4-7 p.m.). Also, boaters will be required to provide two hours notice at all times before the drawspan will be opened, rather than just one hour during certain times of day.
WSDOT used traffic data and comments from the traveling public to request that the Coast Guard alter the hours and rules for drawspan openings.
These updated rules took effect for drivers 7 a.m., Thursday, July 5, 2012.
SR 520 drawspan operations for boats over 45 feet tall
| Hours | Weekdays | Weekends |
| Midnight - 6 a.m. | Drawspan opens any time with minimum 2 hours advance notice | Drawspan opens on the hour and half-hour with 2 hours advance notice |
6:30-10 a.m.
(Morning peak commute) | No drawspan openings |
| 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Drawspan opens on the hour and half-hour with 2 hours advance notice |
| 3-7 p.m. (Afternoon peak commute) | No drawspan openings |
| 7 p.m. - Midnight | Drawspan opens any time with minimum 2 hours advance notice |
Drawspan opening requests
To request an opening of the SR 520 drawspan for vessels over 45 feet tall, call 206-440-4490.
To keep the bridge in good working order, WSDOT may need to suspend drawspan openings if wind speeds exceed 30 miles per hour. Drawspan openings will resume as winds subside.
2012 special dates
Both east and west navigation channels beneath SR 520 will be open on the following dates in 2012.
- 9 a.m. May 3 to 11:59 p.m. May 6 (Opening Day of Boating Season)
- 6 p.m. Thursday, May 24 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 29 (Memorial Day weekend)
- 7 p.m. June 29 to 7 a.m. July 5 (Independence Day)
- 9 a.m. Aug. 2 to 11:59 p.m. Aug. 5 (Seafair weekend)
- 7 p.m. Aug. 30 to 5:00 a.m. Sept. 4 (Labor Day weekend)
Note to boaters: WSDOT, and the region’s commuters, appreciate your flexibility in working with us to operate the SR 520 drawspan. Help us keep boats and traffic sailing by providing as much lead time as you can and letting us know if you have flexibility in the timing of your request. The chart provides information on the minimum notice required of boaters in order to open the drawspan.
You can also print a quick reference guide (pdf 391 kb) with this key drawspan opening information.
Why make this change?
On April 1, 2012, construction barges working to replace the vulnerable SR 520 floating bridge created a work zone within the SR 520 eastern navigation channel that blocks boating traffic.
The eastern navigation channel has a 55- to 64-foot clearance, but is now blocked by construction equipment.
As a result, Coast Guard rules require WSDOT to open the SR 520 floating bridge drawspan to allow passage of boats over 45 feet tall with advance notice. We will not open the drawspan during weekday peak commuting hours.
The western highrise will remain open throughout construction and has a 45-foot clearance.
What do drivers need to know?
WSDOT will work with boaters to minimize effects on the traveling public.
Before construction, bridge closures and drawspan openings were allowed only 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays and on weekends with two hours notice with the understanding that the west channel allowed 45-foot-tall boats and the east channel allowed boats ranging from 55 feet to 64 feet.
Also according to Coast Guard rules, both the west and east navigation channels will be open on several major events and holidays when boat traffic is heaviest.
Those dates include opening day of boating season, Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day, Seafair weekend and Labor Day weekend.