Report due on 520 pontoon cracks
Feb 26, 2013, 9:39 AM | Updated: 10:41 am
A comprehensive review is due Tuesday of construction flaws found on pontoons for the new highway 520 floating bridge. (Image courtesy WSDOT)
(Image courtesy WSDOT)
A comprehensive review is due Tuesday of construction flaws found on pontoons for the new highway 520 floating bridge.
Some of the 33 pontoons built in Aberdeen have arrived at Lake Washington with cracking and leaks, prompting the state to ask for a report from an expert review panel. Twelve pontoons are finished.
State Department of Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and others will offer findings and talk about next steps for design and construction of the new floating bridge.
Construction on the water and along the east approach to the lake has been underway since last spring, including setting of anchors, assembly of pontoons and sinking of large columns to support the roadway.
The state pegs the cost of the pontoon construction at $367 million and the bridge and landings project at $586.6 million.
The new six-lane floating bridge is due to open to traffic in July 2015.
