Project Title & Location
SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project

Project Description
The overall project will replace the SR 520 floating bridge and associated approaches. This project is currently funded to complete the environmental review, including an Environmental Impact Statement through the Record of Decision, early right-of-way acquisitions, and design.

Contractor/Consultant
EIS - Parametrix Public Involvement - EnviroIssues General Engineering - HDR

Recent Progress

Environmental and Design:

1. The Draft EIS was released for public comment in August.  The DEIS Public Hearings were held in September.  Public comment period ends October 31st

2. The Project Design team began the 10% design phase.

3. Governor’s Expert Review Panel (ERP) conducted an in-depth review of the project, findings were released to the public in September.

4. Incorporated EPR cost estimate recommendations at Governors direction.  Preliminary findings indicate increased costs generally due to inflation, market uncertainty, and potential scope changes.  Updated project cost estimates were released September 20^th.

5. Continued planning for the development of a Special Projects Construction Site that could accommodate the construction of the SR520 floating bridge pontoons.  Project staff is continuing to conduct environmental and engineering data collection and evaluation.

6. Completed series of workshops with the University of Washington regarding 6-Lane design options.

7. Developing a Quieter Pavement test project on SR520.  Proposed construction in 2007.

Right of Way Acquisition:

Appraisals of early right of way acquisitions underway.

For more project information see the project web page at:

www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR520bridge

Design Construction Impacts

The anticipated start of major construction is mid-2009.  The project has received $52 million from the 2003 Nickel Package and $500 million from the 2005 Transportation Partnership Account.  This money will be used for the completion of the Environmental Impact Statement, project design, right of way purchases and to begin construction.  Project construction depends on additional funding from tolling, a regional transportation investment, and other sources.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

A Draft Environmental Impact Statement with a thorough analysis of the project alternatives and options was issued in August 2006.  The goal is to identify a preferred alternative after the public comment period.

Impacts to Traffic
Traffic impacts in the corridor have not yet been fully determined.  Pontoons for the new floating bridge will be constructed offsite and brought in through the Ballard Locks.  The new floating bridge will be built to the north of the existing bridge allowing traffic to continue use the exisiting bridge during construction.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account