It's open! WSDOT expects new SR 520 floating bridge to be ‘a lot smoother’ for drivers



SEATTLE -- For the first time, traffic is flowing in both directions on the new SR 520 floating bridge. The Washington State Department of Transportation opened the eastbound lanes of the new toll bridge around 1:30 Monday morning.

The $4.5 billion six-lane bridge replaces a four-lane version built in 1963. The state says it features heavier, stronger pontoons and anchors that allow the structure to withstand stronger winds and waves.

The new bridge is almost twice as wide as the original. It includes two general-purpose lanes and HOV lanes in each direction.

“It is a lot quieter. It is a lot smoother. We now have HOV lanes going in both directions so that’s going to help with transit with the buses,” said Steve Peer, WSDOT spokesperson. “There are also wider shoulders so now if we have a disabled vehicle they can pull off the shoulder and it won’t disrupt traffic as much.”


    By 2030, officials expect 130,000 vehicles to cross the bridge each day.

    Construction crews will now remove the old 520 bridge from Lake Washington. Portions of the bridge will be recycled. The pontoons will be reused around the world for fishing piers, break waters, and wharfs, according to WSDOT.