New 520 bridge could include towers, cables

Two new designs for the Seattle side of the new 520 bridge
feature towers and cables. A third design is less grand,
with a lower profile.

The state Department of Transportation has released small models and graphic
designs of the proposed bridge options. Two of the
newly released designs include tall towers and cables that
rise above Portage Bay. Some neighbors are concerned that
the design details will overshadow natural features like
trees and mountains.

A third design is a less expensive, more generic
box-girder bridge, which carries a lower profile without
towers, but doesn’t leave much space beneath for sailboat
traffic.

The design are available for public consumption
and comment. The Seattle Design Commission will also weigh
in.

Funding for the Seattle side of the six-lane
bridge, due for completion in 2018, is still incomplete.
It seems likely that new taxes or expanded tolling will be
necessary to finish the 520 bridge.