The SR 520 bridges are vulnerable to earthquakes and windstorms and must be replaced. As part of the I-5 to Medina: Bridge Replacement and HOV Project, crews will replace the SR 520 bridges, and make other transit, HOV and community enhancements.
Project area map
top
Floating bridge update:
In summer 2010, we launched our search for contractor teams to design and build the new SR 520 floating bridge. The $700 million to $900 million project will replace the current floating bridge and is fully funded.
We plan to award this contract in 2011 so that we can begin construction in 2012. We plan to open a new, safer floating bridge to drivers in 2014.
View a graphic (pdf 838 kb) of the scope of work included in this contract.
Project design
After 13 years of thorough analysis and input from thousands of people, we’ve announced the preferred alternative for the I-5 to Medina Bridge Replacement and HOV Project. This is a major milestone in the environmental review process.
The preferred alternative responds to input from the public, the City of Seattle, the University of Washington and environmental regulatory agencies.
This plan prepares us for the future by providing the opportunity for reliable bus rapid transit connections, while at the same time accommodating light rail when the region is ready for light rail in this corridor.
Announcing a preferred alternative keeps the project on schedule and allows us to complete the environmental process, apply for construction permits, and open a new, safer floating bridge to drivers in 2014.
top
Environmental process
There are four milestones in the west side environmental process:
Detailed information is available on the Environmental Process page.
top
Project costs and funding
The preferred alternative cost is expected to be within the $4.65 billion budget set by the Legislature.
More information is available on the Costs, Funding and Tolling page.
top
Project timeline highlights
Additional schedule information is available on the Timeline page.
top