520 bridge openings to complicate I-90 closures

Next week, I-90 will be down to one westbound lane and 520 will shut down for 30 minutes at a time during openings for marine traffic.

The state is still going to allow 520 bridge openings for marine traffic next week. These will close the bridge for up to 30 minutes at a time. So at certain points during the week, both I-90 and 520 will be shut down.

The state, however, is working hard to keep those 520 boat openings to a minimum.

Bridge openings are prohibited during the peak commute hours, but boaters only need to give the state and the U.S. Coast Guard two hours notice to get through during the rest of the day. Washington State Department of Transportation’s Travis Phelps said that’s changing during this construction project.

“We’re asking boaters to give us 24 hours advance notice of any trips they are going to be taking,” he said.

Phelps said they are trying to squeeze as many boats as they can during these openings too.

The state is also allowing boats to go under the east side of the bridge during the first two days of the closure, Saturday and Sunday. The East Channel has been closed because of the construction above on the new bridge.

You can keep an ear on traffic reports on KIRO Radio and watch the reader boards for details on when those 520 boat openings will be happening.

Tolling Update

There had been some concerns from the public that the state was going to keep the maximum tolls in effect on the 520 bridge longer to reflect the longer congestion expected.

The state tells KIRO Radio that the current toll rates and schedule will remain intact.