Major transportation projects often require innovative and complex funding solutions. The SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program is no different. This page presents an overview of how we plan to deliver a new, safer floating bridge and improvements along SR 520 from I-5 in Seattle to SR 202 in Redmond.
How will WSDOT pay for the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program?
What are the current program costs?
In 2009, the Washington State Legislature set a program budget of $4.65 billion. Our latest project plans, including the west side preferred alternative, are within this program budget.
What is currently funded?
Gov. Gregoire and the Washington State Legislature have secured a variety of state and federal funding sources, including tolling the existing floating bridge, to help pay for the SR 520 program.
We are currently funded to move forward with:
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SR 520 program budget |
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$4.65 B |
|
Funding received to date |
|
$2.43 B |
|
State funding (Nickel and TPA) |
$0.55 B |
|
|
Federal funding |
$0.01 B |
|
|
SR 520 Account (tolling and future federal funding) |
$1.75 B |
|
|
Deferred sales tax |
$0.12 B |
|
|
Unfunded need (includes $0.15 B in deferred sales tax) |
|
$2.22 B |
Cost accountability: 1997 to 2011
Pile driving in Aberdeen for the Pontoon Construction Project |
From 1997 to January 2011, WSDOT invested $377 million on efforts to replace the aging SR 520 floating bridge. With these funds we have made substantial progress on corridor planning, preliminary engineering, design, environmental review, and right-of-way purchases.
We have also started construction on new SR 520 bridge pontoons and Eastside transit and HOV improvements, and are currently in the contracting process for the new SR 520 floating bridge.
The Legislature has established a program limit of $4.65 billion. To date, the SR 520 Program has spent $355 million, or approximately under 8 percent of the program cost limit. Additionally, $22 million was spent on the Trans-Lake Study.
The SR 520 program has followed strict procurement and financial reporting protocols, including quarterly financial updates. Financial oversight is provided by WSDOT management, the Governor's Office of Financial Management, the Washington State Legislature and the Federal Highway Administration.
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Trans-Lake Washington Study |
$22 M |
|
|
- Evaluated multiple options for a new Lake Washington crossing and decided on a new SR 520 floating bridge |
|
|
SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program |
$355 M |
|
Preliminary engineering |
$241 M |
|
|
- Addressed legislative requirements for reports, studies, and/or processes.
- Produced seven out of nine environmental documents needed for construction permits.
- Completed preliminary or conceptual design for I-5 to SR 202, pontoon casting facility and pontoons. |
|
|
Right of way |
$55 M |
|
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- Purchased 29 properties necessary for construction or mitigation. |
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|
Construction |
$59 M |
|
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- Started construction on Eastside and pontoon projects. |
|
|
Total expenditures to date (January 2011) |
$377 M |
A helpful summary of expenditures is posted in the Program Library.
SR 520 and tolls
Tolling on the SR 520 bridge across Lake Washington began Dec. 29, 2011.
How do drivers pay tolls on SR 520?
The SR 520 corridor uses all-electronic tolling, meaning no toll booths and no stopping to pay. Tolls are collected electronically from those with a Good To Go! account as vehicles travel at highway speeds. The license plates of drivers without an account will be photographed and they will be able to post-pay within 72 hours or wait to receive a bill in the mail.
How were toll rates set?
Washington State Transportation Commission set toll rates following the Washington Administrative Code process. Tolls will vary by the day and time of travel.
What will the SR 520 tolls pay for?
Tolls collected will be used only for SR 520 improvements, operations and maintenance.
Was the original SR 520 bridge tolled?
Yes, the SR 520 bridge was tolled from the time it was completed in August 1963, until it was paid off in June 1979. The tolls generated approximately $60 million.
For more information, visit SR 520 tolling.