Sept. 14, 2020 | News of the week

In this update:

Please visit our Portage Bay Project online open house, open now through Sept. 28

And join our Sept. 15 virtual meeting to get your project questions answered live

You’re invited to two WSDOT virtual events to provide feedback on key environmental processes for the Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid Project.

This link opens the door to the online open house we’re hosting now through Sept. 28. Once there, you’ll find several webpages with information on three important environmental processes for the Portage Bay project, including an updated evaluation (pdf 8.4 mb) of the project's effects on nearby recreational and historical resources and parks. You’ll be able to submit comments directly to WSDOT and take a brief survey regarding potential recreational mitigation actions for WSDOT to propose in our shoreline permit application to the city.

Tomorrow (Sept. 15) from noon to 1 p.m., we’ll host a live, online presentation on this topic, via Zoom, and then field your questions. If you haven’t already signed up, register here for the meeting.

We hope you’ll join us at both venues!

Construction update: Westbound off-ramp to Montlake Boulevard closed tomorrow night

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, the Montlake Boulevard exit from westbound SR 520 will be closed for crews to deliver equipment to the work zone. Drivers should use the exit to Lake Washington Boulevard. Visit the SR 520 Construction Corner for more information.

Weekend closure recap: Thank you for your patience!

Crews completed work early this morning, ahead of schedule. Over the weekend, crews:

Moved the on and off-ramps between Montlake Boulevard and the floating bridge.

Replaced an electronic sign structure on the floating bridge and reopened the trail ahead of schedule.

Heads up SR 520 Trail users: Slow down and stay alert during work on the trail

Crews will completely close the trail under SR 520 Sept. 21-22 to repair a sewer line. Trail users should use Montlake Boulevard to cross SR 520.

Also, starting early next week, crews will use a special truck on the SR 520 Trail to make cosmetic repairs underneath. Trail users may be asked to stop for short periods or walk their bike through the work area. This work will be between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and last about 10 weeks.



Slow down and go around the truck on the SR 520 Trail over the next 10 weeks.

Missed the September monthly meeting? Presentation now available online

Thanks to all who attended last Wednesday’s online meeting about Montlake Project construction. If you missed it, you can see the presentation slides (pdf 4.35 mb). Mark your calendar for the next online meeting on Oct. 7 at 12:30 p.m.

Aug. 27, 2020 | Rest of the West news

Weekend closure recap – successful traffic shift in Montlake



Removing SR 520 roadway surface prior to paving - looking west toward Portage Bay.

Thank you to everyone for your patience last weekend while we closed SR 520. During the closure, crews successfully moved the east and westbound SR 520 lanes closer to the center of the roadway. These lanes are now closer to the recently constructed center pier that will support the future Montlake lid.

Shifting the lanes toward the center has opened up new work zones on the north and south edges of the roadway, where crews will construct additional lid-support piers. Read on for more information about another upcoming SR 520 closure.

Aug. 19, 2020 | News of the week

We want to hear from you – Portage Bay Bridge Section 4(f) comment period

Based on public and stakeholder feedback, the design of the SR 520 Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid Project has undergone a number of design refinements (pdf 1.29 mb) since the SR 520 Program’s environmental impact statement and federal Record of Decision were completed in 2011. WSDOT is submitting environmental and permitting updates to local, state and federal agencies to document these refinements. One of these updates is a “Section 4(f)” evaluation of the Portage Bay project’s effects on nearby parks, recreational and historic resources. You can read the report (pdf 8.4 mb) and email comments to WSDOT until Sept. 28 at: SR520Bridge@wsdot.wa.gov

June 29, 2020 | Rest of the West news

Paddle on, but stay out of the construction zone!

Kayakers and canoers will soon notice new barriers on Lake Washington near the Arboretum. These will keep paddlers safely out of the construction zone. Check out this new video to learn more about how to stay safe while you enjoy the lake this summer!

How to reach us and stay informed about SR 520 construction:

Call the 24-hour construction hotline (206-775-8885) with pressing Montlake Project questions or concerns.

the 24-hour construction hotline (206-775-8885) with pressing Montlake Project questions or concerns. Call the SR 520 Program information line (206-770-3554, M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) with general SR 520 inquiries.

the SR 520 Program information line (206-770-3554, M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) with general SR 520 inquiries. Email SR 520 staff with your questions about the project or construction activities.

SR 520 staff with your questions about the project or construction activities. Visit the SR 520 Construction Corner for the most up-to-date information on closures and construction impacts.

the SR 520 Construction Corner for the most up-to-date information on closures and construction impacts. Visit the SR 520 Program website to find general information about the project.

the SR 520 Program website to find general information about the project. Visit the Montlake Project Information Center at 2209 E. North St., open Mondays and Wednesdays from 12 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the third Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

the Montlake Project Information Center at 2209 E. North St., open Mondays and Wednesdays from 12 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the third Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Follow us on Twitter @wsdot_520 to get key news and updates about the SR 520 program.

us on Twitter @wsdot_520 to get key news and updates about the SR 520 program. (Please note: The Information Center is currently closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak.) Stop by in person at the Montlake Project Information Center (2209 E. North St.).

Get weekly updates via email

Visit the WSDOT email updates page, enter your email address, and under "Construction Reports" select one of the following:

"SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program"

The email update on the entire program, from I-5 to I-405. Includes information on highway closures, construction milestones, and upcoming public meetings.



"SR 520 Rest of the West News"

Construction is underway on our next stage of construction in Seattle -- the Montlake Project. This update focuses squarely on SR 520 construction activities and other project updates in Seattle.