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 2013
SR 520 open houses
- You're invited to SR 520 open houses! Join us to learn latest about current and future construction.
- Meeting details:
Bellevue
4:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013
North Bellevue Community Center
4063 148th Avenue Northeast
Bellevue, WA 98009
Seattle
4:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013
St. Demetrios Church
2100 Boyer Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98112
Seattle Community Design Process update - Final design report published
- The final design report includes a cover letter and topics such as the project vision of "Nature Meets City," design preferences that will guide work moving forward, and the addition of a summary of the SR 520 stakeholder and public comments on the draft report.
- The final report is based on feedback received during the Seattle Community Design Process from August 2011 through December 2012.
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
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
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
999 3rd Avenue, Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98104
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