520 bridge closed for weekend
July 10, 2008 · Updated 10:16 PM
The Evergreen Point floating bridge is closed this weekend while Washington State Department of Transportation crews perform annual inspection and maintenance work.
The bridge will reopen at 5 a.m. Monday, July 14. The closure extends from Montlake Boulevard to 92nd Avenue N.E.
During the closure, bridge engineers will use ultrasonic testing on the drawspan’s vertical guide rollers. Similar to an ultrasound, the testing allows engineers to check for flaws and cracks. Crews will also inspect the bridge’s mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems, and make sure the bridge is properly aligned.
“Besides checking the condition of the bridge, we’re also looking for anything that could give us problems during the winter,” said WSDOT Bridge Superintendent Archie Allen. “If we do find something then we have enough time to repair it before the bad winter weather sets in.”
Other crews will be repairing potholes, clean drains, cut back vegetation, paint a catwalk and reseal electrical cover plates to prevent water from seeping into the bridge’s power system.
“Normally this type of work would require a series of lane closures,” said Allen. “Combining the inspection and maintenance increases safety, reduces traffic disruptions and saves taxpayer money by condensing the time required to complete the work.”
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