Improved designs and better transit connections for the new State Route 520 bridge in Seattle are included in a final report sent today to the governor and state legislators.
The state Legislature directed a workgroup be formed to consider design refinements to the SR 520 preferred alternative from I-5 to Medina. When Gov. Chris Gregoire announced the preferred alternative in April, she acknowledged that legislation, ESSB 6392, called for further collaboration to address design refinements and transit connections in the plans.
The report can be viewed online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR520Bridge/6392workgroup.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Seattle Department of Transportation led the workgroup, which also included Seattle City Council staff, the University of Washington and transit agencies. The panel met July to September and received public comments throughout the process. The workgroup also briefed the Seattle City Council on its recommendations.
WSDOT will incorporate design refinements made during the workgroup process into the final environmental impact statement for the I-5 to Medina project scheduled for release in spring 2011. The workgroup report includes recommendations such as:
• Roadway and transit/carpool lane configurations in the Montlake and Arboretum areas of Seattle
• Bicycle and pedestrian connections to key local and regional routes
• Bus stop locations for local and regional routes
WSDOT and the City of Seattle will continue to work with key stakeholders and the public to implement the workgroup recommendations, develop future Seattle design processes and address other issues raised.
With the funding secured to date, WSDOT next year will build a pontoon casting facility in Grays Harbor, begin Eastside construction and select a contractor to build the new floating bridge. After a final EIS is issued, WSDOT plans to issue a record of decision and move forward with construction permits for the I-5 to Medina work.
The Legislature set the SR 520 program budget at $4.65 billion for improvements from I-5 in Seattle to SR 202 in Redmond. Toll revenue and state and federal funds provide about $2.37 billion for the SR 520 improvements. WSDOT will continue to work with legislators to identify additional funding to complete improvements in the corridor.
More information about the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program is online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR520bridge.
