View a simulated rendering of the I-5 to Medina project:
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Waves batter the existing SR 520 bridge during a winter storm.
February 2012
Seattle Community Design Process
Permitting update
- Have questions about the City of Seattle permitting process? Check out our new FAQs for more information.
Potential SR 520 work in Kenmore
- Our design-build contractor for the SR 520 floating bridge may build some elements for the new bridge at an industrial site in Kenmore.
- We met with city officials and the community Oct. 20 to discuss the concept. View our presentation (pdf 3.19 mb).
Kiewit-General-Manson submitted the best combination of bid price and technical proposal for replacing the aging and vulnerable SR 520 floating bridge.
- Kiewit-General-Manson's bid price of $586.5 million for construction of a new, six-lane floating bridge is $163.5 million less than the upset price of $750 million included in the request for proposals.
- We plan to begin construction on Lake Washington in 2012, with the goal of opening a new, safer floating bridge to drivers as soon as December 2014.
- Read more about the team.
Overview
The I-5 to Medina: Bridge Replacement and HOV Project will replace the interchanges and roadway between I-5 in Seattle and the eastern end of the floating bridge.
Why is WSDOT
pursuing this project?
About 115,000 vehicles and more than 190,000 people cross Lake Washington every day on the SR 520 floating bridge. It’s a key regional route for commuters and freight.
After floating for nearly 50 years, the four-lane bridge is often clogged by traffic and is showing its age.
The floating bridge pontoons are vulnerable to windstorms, and bridge support columns are vulnerable to earthquakes.
The End Result
The I-5 to Medina Bridge Replacement and HOV Project includes a new floating bridge and highway with six lanes, including two general-purpose lanes and one new transit/HOV lane in each direction.
The project also takes key steps to get ready for future light rail, help manage traffic in the Arboretum and transform the future corridor from Montlake to I-5 into a city parkway with landscaped lids and medians.
Project Benefits
The new SR 520 corridor through Seattle will:
- Provide transit connections and priority.
- Create a pedestrian-friendly urban interchange at Montlake Boulevard.
- Restore park area and connections next to the Washington Park Arboretum.
- Reduce noise levels from the Portage Bay Bridge.
- Be ready for light rail if the region chooses to fund it in the future.
What is the project timeline?
- Spring 2011: Publish final environmental impact statement
- Summer 2011: Received Record of Decision
- Summer 2011: Select contractor team for new SR 520 floating bridge
- 2012: Begin construction of floating bridge
- 2014: Target date to open new floating bridge to drivers
The schedule for constructing the segments of the corridor west of Lake Washington is pending additional funding.
Financial Information
We are moving forward with construction on a new SR 520 floating bridge, which is fully funded by a variety of state and federal sources, including SR 520 tolling, which began in December 2011.
We are continuing to work with the Legislature to fund the elements of the project from I-5 to the floating bridge.
Visit the SR 520 Costs, Funding and Tolling page for additional information.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
E-mail: SR520bridge@wsdot.wa.gov
Phone: 206-770-3500
Infoline: 1-888-520-NEWS (6397)
Mail: I-5 to Medina: Bridge Replacement and HOV Project
SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program
600 Stewart Street, Suite 520
Seattle, WA 98101
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