Lawmakers advance plan for new 520 bridge

A new 520 bridge across Lake Washington took another step forward Tuesday when a group of state legislators voted for a design plan for the west side of the project.

The proposal would add a second north-south Montlake drawbridge and build a wider Montlake interchange.

How a new bridge would function on the west side of the lake has been a sticking issue with Seattle residents. East side issues have been less divisive.

The SR 520 legislative work group voted 10-2 for the new approach that now will go out for public comment, environmental review and – eventually – debate in the Legislature.

The state has been working for years on a way to replace the old 520 floating bridge which experts say is vulnerable to collapse in an earthquake or major windstorm.

House Transportation Chairwoman Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island, who represents central and south Bellevue, said the plan should be the support of the Legislature.

The bridge project is expected to cost between $4.4 bill and $4.6 billion. Half of the cost involves work on the Seattle side of the span.

In addition to Clibborn, the plan has the support of Rep. Deb Eddy, K-Kirkland, who represents north Bellevue and the Points communities.

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