SR 520 - Virtual tour of new SR 520 floating bridge - Floating Bridge & Landings Project - Nov. 2015

[@deankelley736]

A personal note: My father worked on the construction of the pontoons for what was then called the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge from 1961-1963. So, even though it is necessary progress, it still tweaks at my heartstrings to see the old bridge go away. I still remember being offended (at 8 years of age) that coverage of the bridge opening was pre-empted for coverage of MLK & the march on Washington, DC. Thankfully, age and intervening education have provided a more enlightened perspective.

[@nhbseattle7191]

Bird Ramps. God I love Seattle.

[@greghenderson8247]

Great work!

[@WesternSouthDakotaRailfan2006]

Nice job

[@DavidKlausa]

So it can't withstand winds above 90mph? Won't that happen at least once before its projected 75-year lifespan?

[@wsdot]

+David Klausa The new bridge is designed to withstand sustained winds of up to 89 miles per hour, which would happen during a “100-year storm”. This means that there is a one in 100 chance each year of winds at or above 89 miles per hour. While the new bridge is designed to be serviceable after sustained 89 mile per hour winds, in reality it should withstand winds much higher than that. However, it could be damaged if winds at that speed were sustained over a long period of time. In comparison, the old bridge was retrofitted to withstand sustained winds of up to 77 miles per hour.

[@jacknolan62]

I don't see how they are going to fit 6 lanes of traffic, plus shoulders on that bridge. I go over 520 every weekday and from the perspective of the old bridge,it just doesn't look big enough. Should be interesting.

[@wsdot]

+Jack Nolan The new floating bridge is 116 feet wide- nearly twice the width of the existing floating bridge, which clocks in at 60 feet. The eastbound and westbound lanes on the new bridge each have a 4-foot inside shoulder, 10-foot outside shoulder, and three lanes. The north side of the bridge also has a 14-foot-wide bike and pedestrian path.

[@wizardgefftm8369]

DANGER!

[@MusicandRelaxation]

website wsdot.wa.gov/