The SR 520 bridges are vulnerable to earthquakes and windstorms and must be replaced. As part of the Bridge Replacement and HOV Project, crews will replace the SR 520 bridges, and make other transit, HOV and community enhancements.
Project area map
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Project design
The Bridge Replacement and HOV Project is currently under environmental review. As part of the supplemental draft environmental impact statement, the project team is evaluating three design options:
Option A - Most similar to today's configuration, with the addition of a second Montlake drawbridge over the Montlake Cut.
Option K - Includes a tunnel under the Montlake Cut and a single point urban interchange below the SR 520 roadway.
Option L - Includes a diagonal drawbridge over the Montlake Cut and a single point urban interchange above the SR 520 roadway.
View informational videos of the three west side design options:
More information on these options and their planned design is available on the Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Design page.
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Environmental process
Design options for the Bridge Replacement and HOV Project are currently being evaluated by a dedicated group of neighborhood, government, and agency stakeholders. The mediation group’s recommendations represent the ongoing involvement of west side communities and organizations. Evaluating these design options will help us understand the operational and environmental effects of each option. It will also fulfill WSDOT’s responsibility to evaluate a reasonable range of alternatives that could meet the project purpose and need.
There are four milestones in the west side environmental process:
- 2006 - Publish draft EIS.
- 2009 - Publish supplemental draft EIS.
- 2010 - Publish final EIS.
- 2011 - FHWA records Record of Decision.
Detailed information is available on the Environmental Process page.
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Project costs and funding
Current project costs for the Bridge Replacement and HOV Project:
| Current estimates |
West side |
Floating bridge |
| with Option A |
$2.02 to 2.30 B |
$1.37 B |
| with Option K |
$4.07 to 4.17 B |
$1.37 B
|
| with Option L |
$2.56 to 2.64 B |
$1.37 B
|
Additional information is available on the
Costs, Funding and Tolling page. top
Project timeline highlights
- 2009 - Prepare supplemental draft environmental impact statement.
- 2010 - Issue final environmental impact statement.
- 2012 - Receive permits.
- 2014 - New floating bridge open to drivers.
Additional schedule information is available on the Timeline page.
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