View a simulated rendering of the I-5 to Medina project:
YouTube |
Windows Media Player 
Waves batter the existing SR 520 bridge during a winter storm.
June 2013
Construction notification survey
- Construction begins on the West Connection Bridge begins in 2013 and the West Approach Bridge North Project in 2014.
- How would you like to learn about and share feedback on future about construction activities?
- Please take this short survey (less than two minutes) to help us tailor our future outreach efforts to best reach you.
- The survey is open until Friday, July 12.
Join us at upcoming public events!
- Community Drop-In Session #1
Monday, June 24, 5–7 p.m.
Seattle Public Library, Montlake Branch – Meeting Room
2401 24th Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112
- West Connection Bridge pre-construction meeting
Wednesday, June 26, 4:30–7 p.m.
Pioneer Hall, Madison Park
1642 43rd Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112
The pre-construction meeting will feature information about West Connection Bridge work set to begin this summer. WABN information will also be available.
- Community Drop-In Session #2
Thursday, June 27, 12–2 p.m.
UW Magnuson Health Sciences Center – Rotunda Foyer
1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195
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
back to top