The 520 floating bridge construction is moving along, and here is an update on how boaters will be affected. Note the new clearance figure for the temporary west navigation channel.
In consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard, a new temporary west navigation channel will open today, Wednesday, June 24. The new location will result in a reduced navigational height clearance of 43 feet and a reduced channel width of 96 feet. This is a change from previous notifications.
An illustration of the new temporary west navigation channel is attached and is posted on our SR 520 Boater Information Web page.
Marine vessels over 43 feet tall will still be able to use the east navigation channel, which is currently operating with a reduced navigational height clearance of 58 feet. The new permanent west navigation channel will open in 2016 with a navigational height clearance of 45 feet.
Beginning Thursday, June 25, crews will move construction equipment into the current west navigation channel as they prepare for final pontoon joining activities. On Friday, June 26, crews will move Pontoon A to the middle of the lake and in early July, crews will move previously joined pontoons B, C, and D from the eastside to their final location on the west end of the new floating bridge. Installation of these pontoons will permanently block the current west navigation channel.
This information and dates may change due to the dynamic nature of construction activities. Please continue to check the SR 520 Boater Information Web page for the most up-to-date information regarding navigational changes around SR 520 on Lake Washington.
If you have any questions about navigating around construction, please call our 24-hour hotline – (425) 576-7098.
We thank you for your patience and flexibility during construction. Please let me know if you have any questions.
