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103-465: Lake Washington Boulevard E. runs north and south through the park, parallel to the creek. A secondary road, for most of its length named Arboretum Drive E. and for a short northern stretch named E. Foster Island Road, runs along the Arboretum's eastern edge. E. Interlaken Boulevard and Boyer Avenue E. run northwest out of the park to Montlake and beyond. State Route 520 cuts through Foster Island and

206-583: A 40-year period. Construction of the SR ;520 corridor project began in April 2011 on the Eastside, where WSDOT expanded the freeway to six lanes and added HOV lanes. The project, completed in 2014, also included the construction of new bus stations and direct access ramps, new interchanges, park lids covering SR 520, and a multi-use trail. Construction of the new floating bridge began in 2012, and it

309-420: A 40-year period. Construction of the SR 520 corridor project began in April 2011 on the Eastside, where WSDOT expanded the freeway to six lanes and added HOV lanes. The project, completed in 2014, also included the construction of new bus stations and direct access ramps, new interchanges, park lids covering SR 520, and a multi-use trail. Construction of the new floating bridge began in 2012, and it

412-504: A contractor. The segment was opened to traffic on December 18, 1981. The SR 920 designation was removed from the state highway system in 1985, and the section was re-signed as part of SR 520. A traffic signal at the intersection of SR 520 and Northeast 51st Street remained in place until 1986, when it was replaced with an interchange. The completion of SR 520 spurred new development in Downtown Redmond and

515-437: A contractor. The segment was opened to traffic on December 18, 1981. The SR 920 designation was removed from the state highway system in 1985, and the section was re-signed as part of SR 520. A traffic signal at the intersection of SR 520 and Northeast 51st Street remained in place until 1986, when it was replaced with an interchange. The completion of SR 520 spurred new development in Downtown Redmond and

618-493: A new bridge across Portage Bay, a park lid near Roanoke Park, and a new HOV lane ramp to the I-5 reversible express lanes. The express lane ramp, planned to cost $ 68 million, was expected open in early 2024, but it was later delayed to 2030 due to the inability to increase transit service on the corridor. The Portage Bay bridge and Roanoke lid are expected to begin construction in late 2024 and be finished in 2031, in tandem with

721-444: A new bridge across Portage Bay, a park lid near Roanoke Park, and a new HOV lane ramp to the I-5 reversible express lanes. The express lane ramp, planned to cost $ 68 million, was expected open in early 2024, but it was later delayed to 2030 due to the inability to increase transit service on the corridor. The Portage Bay bridge and Roanoke lid are expected to begin construction in late 2024 and be finished in 2031, in tandem with

824-725: A north-facing arc , passing through the Yarrow Point lid and bus station. The freeway enters Bellevue , intersecting I-405 and crossing over the Eastside Rail Corridor . SR 520 continues along the north side of the Bel-Red industrial area and enters the Overlake area of Redmond . Within Overlake, SR 520 turns north and passes under a pedestrian bridge connecting to Overlake Village station on

927-426: A north-facing arc , passing through the Yarrow Point lid and bus station. The freeway enters Bellevue , intersecting I-405 and crossing over the Eastside Rail Corridor . SR 520 continues along the north side of the Bel-Red industrial area and enters the Overlake area of Redmond . Within Overlake, SR 520 turns north and passes under a pedestrian bridge connecting to Overlake Village station on

1030-525: A replacement bridge intensified. WSDOT engineers also determined that sections of the bridge would fail during a large earthquake or a major windstorm, and that the bridge was nearing the end of its life expectancy, necessitating a total replacement. The bridge underwent a major rehabilitation in 1999, including a seismic retrofit , and increased resistance to stronger sustained winds, to extend its life expectancy to 20 to 25 years. The Washington State Transportation Commission began seeking alternatives for

1133-525: A replacement bridge intensified. WSDOT engineers also determined that sections of the bridge would fail during a large earthquake or a major windstorm, and that the bridge was nearing the end of its life expectancy, necessitating a total replacement. The bridge underwent a major rehabilitation in 1999, including a seismic retrofit , and increased resistance to stronger sustained winds, to extend its life expectancy to 20 to 25 years. The Washington State Transportation Commission began seeking alternatives for

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1236-517: A replacement span, with varying lane widths and configurations for interchanges in Seattle. WSDOT chose the project's preferred alternative, a replacement span with six lanes and a mixed-use trail, in 2011. The $ 5.69 billion megaproject , which encompasses the SR 520 corridor between I-5 and I-405, was funded using a state gas tax and electronic tolls on the floating bridge introduced on December 29, 2011, to repay construction bonds over

1339-462: A replacement span, with varying lane widths and configurations for interchanges in Seattle. WSDOT chose the project's preferred alternative, a replacement span with six lanes and a mixed-use trail, in 2011. The $ 5.69 billion megaproject , which encompasses the SR 520 corridor between I-5 and I-405, was funded using a state gas tax and electronic tolls on the floating bridge introduced on December 29, 2011, to repay construction bonds over

1442-477: A set of ghost ramps in the marshlands the arboretum. They are often referred to as "ramps to nowhere". However, one ramp is currently used for the on ramp to SR 520 Eastbound. The others are unused. They were originally part of a plan to build the R. H. Thomson Expressway which would have cut through the arboretum and down through Seattle towards the I-90/I-5 interchange. Citizens rallied a freeway revolt against

1545-574: A state highway, were re-designated as Sign Route 520 (later SR 520) under the new state highway numbering system adopted in 1964. SR 520 would use a temporary route on Northup Way (Northeast 20th Street) and Bel-Red Road between Bellevue and SR 202 in Redmond until the planned freeway was completed by the late 1970s. A section of SR 520 between the Evergreen Point Bridge toll plaza and 104th Avenue Northeast

1648-444: A state highway, were re-designated as Sign Route 520 (later SR 520) under the new state highway numbering system adopted in 1964. SR 520 would use a temporary route on Northup Way (Northeast 20th Street) and Bel-Red Road between Bellevue and SR 202 in Redmond until the planned freeway was completed by the late 1970s. A section of SR 520 between the Evergreen Point Bridge toll plaza and 104th Avenue Northeast

1751-460: A statewide gasoline tax increase of two cents per gallon. Contract bidding for the last segment was halted in 1978 by a lawsuit filed by a group of Eastside residents in opposition to the freeway, claiming that its environmental impact had been improperly assessed. U.S. District Judge Morell Edward Sharp ruled in favor of the state government in March 1979, allowing for the bid to be awarded to

1854-408: A statewide gasoline tax increase of two cents per gallon. Contract bidding for the last segment was halted in 1978 by a lawsuit filed by a group of Eastside residents in opposition to the freeway, claiming that its environmental impact had been improperly assessed. U.S. District Judge Morell Edward Sharp ruled in favor of the state government in March 1979, allowing for the bid to be awarded to

1957-753: Is a state highway and freeway in the Seattle metropolitan area , part of the U.S. state of Washington . It runs 13 miles (21 km) from Seattle in the west to Redmond in the east. The freeway connects Seattle to the Eastside region of King County via the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge on Lake Washington . SR 520 intersects several state highways, including Interstate 5 (I-5) in Seattle, I-405 in Bellevue , and SR 202 in Redmond. The original floating bridge

2060-503: Is a state highway and freeway in the Seattle metropolitan area , part of the U.S. state of Washington . It runs 13 miles (21 km) from Seattle in the west to Redmond in the east. The freeway connects Seattle to the Eastside region of King County via the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge on Lake Washington . SR 520 intersects several state highways, including Interstate 5 (I-5) in Seattle, I-405 in Bellevue , and SR 202 in Redmond. The original floating bridge

2163-579: Is a popular site for strolling and is utilized by photographers and artists. The manicured Azalea Way stands out in stark contrast with the Arboretum's wild and heavily canopied areas. The land occupied by the Washington Park Arboretum has been developed and is owned by the city, but the Arboretum is operated primarily by the University of Washington . Arboretum Creek is approximately 4,000 feet (1,200 m) long, entirely within

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2266-598: Is designated as part of the National Highway System , classifying it as important to the national economy, defense, and mobility. The State of Washington also designates the SR 520 corridor as a Highway of Statewide Significance, a category of highways that connect major communities throughout the state. SR 520 is maintained by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), which conducts an annual survey on

2369-443: Is designated as part of the National Highway System , classifying it as important to the national economy, defense, and mobility. The State of Washington also designates the SR 520 corridor as a Highway of Statewide Significance, a category of highways that connect major communities throughout the state. SR 520 is maintained by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), which conducts an annual survey on

2472-509: Is planned to be constructed in the 2030s, but remains unfunded by Seattle Parks and Recreation . Improvements to the remaining segment of the SR 520 corridor, between I-5 and the floating bridge, were initially left unfunded, but underwent design and environmental review. In 2015, the state legislature approved $ 1.64 billion in funding for the "Rest of the West" program, which will be constructed between 2018 and 2029. The first phase of

2575-458: Is planned to be constructed in the 2030s, but remains unfunded by Seattle Parks and Recreation . Improvements to the remaining segment of the SR 520 corridor, between I-5 and the floating bridge, were initially left unfunded, but underwent design and environmental review. In 2015, the state legislature approved $ 1.64 billion in funding for the "Rest of the West" program, which will be constructed between 2018 and 2029. The first phase of

2678-458: The 2 Line , a light rail line that follows the highway. The freeway then passes several office parks , including the headquarters campus of Microsoft and the Nintendo of America branch office. To serve exits at Northeast 40th Street and Northeast 51st Street, SR 520 gains a set of collector–distributor lanes , separated from other lanes by a concrete barrier . The freeway crosses

2781-403: The 2 Line , a light rail line that follows the highway. The freeway then passes several office parks , including the headquarters campus of Microsoft and the Nintendo of America branch office. To serve exits at Northeast 40th Street and Northeast 51st Street, SR 520 gains a set of collector–distributor lanes , separated from other lanes by a concrete barrier . The freeway crosses

2884-534: The Broadmoor Golf Club by a group of businessmen that included E. G. Ames, general manager of Puget Mill. The western 230 were given to the city, who developed a park and arboretum on the site. On the basis of the agreement approved by the University of Washington (Board of Regents) and the City of Seattle (City Council/Mayor), The Washington Park Arboretum was established in 1934. State Route 520 has

2987-653: The I-90 floating bridge . The line is scheduled to be extended along SR 520 to Downtown Redmond in 2025, using funding from the Sound Transit 3 program approved by voters in 2016. The rebuilt floating bridge was also designed to accommodate a future light rail extension, requiring supplemental pontoons and new approaches. The entire highway is in King County . All exits are unnumbered. Washington State Route 520 State Route 520 ( SR 520 )

3090-594: The Montlake neighborhood. In Montlake, the highway intersects Montlake Boulevard ( SR 513 ) and Lake Washington Boulevard just south of the University of Washington campus and Husky Stadium . The freeway gains a set of HOV lanes and continues east on a pair of causeways through the marshlands of Union Bay and Foster Island , at the north end of the Washington Park Arboretum . From Seattle, SR 520 crosses Lake Washington on

3193-461: The Montlake neighborhood. In Montlake, the highway intersects Montlake Boulevard ( SR 513 ) and Lake Washington Boulevard just south of the University of Washington campus and Husky Stadium . The freeway gains a set of HOV lanes and continues east on a pair of causeways through the marshlands of Union Bay and Foster Island , at the north end of the Washington Park Arboretum . From Seattle, SR 520 crosses Lake Washington on

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3296-592: The Sammamish River and turns east, passing to the south of the Redmond Town Center mall and Bear Creek and to the north of Marymoor Park . East of downtown Redmond, SR 520 intersects SR 202 and terminates; the road continues north as Avondale Road towards Cottage Lake . Portions of the corridor from Montlake to Downtown Redmond are also paralleled by a shared-use trail for bicycles and pedestrians. SR 520's entire route

3399-458: The Sammamish River and turns east, passing to the south of the Redmond Town Center mall and Bear Creek and to the north of Marymoor Park . East of downtown Redmond, SR 520 intersects SR 202 and terminates; the road continues north as Avondale Road towards Cottage Lake . Portions of the corridor from Montlake to Downtown Redmond are also paralleled by a shared-use trail for bicycles and pedestrians. SR 520's entire route

3502-541: The Sunset Highway (later I-90 ) from Seattle towards Bellevue and the Eastside. The new bridge allowed the Eastside to develop rapidly into bedroom communities in the 1940s and 1950s; the bridge also replaced the ferry system, which ceased operation in 1950, shortly after the removal of tolls on the bridge. In the late 1940s, the state government conducted a feasibility study for a second floating bridge across Lake Washington, in response to increased traffic on

3605-478: The Sunset Highway (later I-90 ) from Seattle towards Bellevue and the Eastside. The new bridge allowed the Eastside to develop rapidly into bedroom communities in the 1940s and 1950s; the bridge also replaced the ferry system, which ceased operation in 1950, shortly after the removal of tolls on the bridge. In the late 1940s, the state government conducted a feasibility study for a second floating bridge across Lake Washington, in response to increased traffic on

3708-488: The Washington State Department of Transportation announced plans to dismantle the ghost ramps. To commemorate the ramps and protest their demolition, a local art collective created an installation , Gate to Nowhere , on one of the ramps in 2014. The piece consists of a layer of reflective acrylic wrapping a pair of support columns. In the spring of 2016, some of the SR 520 ghost ramps have begun to be dismantled to make way for

3811-414: The 1990s, SR 520 has been expanded with high-occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV lanes) and new interchanges to serve the Overlake area. In 2016, the original Evergreen Point Floating Bridge was replaced by a wider bridge, as part of a multibillion-dollar expansion program that is scheduled to be completed in the 2020s. The program also includes the construction of new bus infrastructure at Montlake and on

3914-414: The 1990s, SR 520 has been expanded with high-occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV lanes) and new interchanges to serve the Overlake area. In 2016, the original Evergreen Point Floating Bridge was replaced by a wider bridge, as part of a multibillion-dollar expansion program that is scheduled to be completed in the 2020s. The program also includes the construction of new bus infrastructure at Montlake and on

4017-502: The Eastside, as well as a bicycle and pedestrian path along most of the highway's length. SR 520 begins at an interchange with I-5 in northern Seattle near Roanoke Park . The interchange provides access to both directions of I-5 as well as a westbound off-ramp to Harvard Avenue and Roanoke Street. SR 520 travels east across the south end of Portage Bay and its wetlands on the Portage Bay Viaduct, entering

4120-431: The Eastside, as well as a bicycle and pedestrian path along most of the highway's length. SR 520 begins at an interchange with I-5 in northern Seattle near Roanoke Park . The interchange provides access to both directions of I-5 as well as a westbound off-ramp to Harvard Avenue and Roanoke Street. SR 520 travels east across the south end of Portage Bay and its wetlands on the Portage Bay Viaduct, entering

4223-540: The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge and I-405. Sound Transit began Link light rail service along the Redmond portion of the SR 520 corridor in April 2024, with the opening of the 2 Line to Redmond Technology station . Approved by voters in 2008, the line will connect Redmond Technology station at Northeast 40th Street and Overlake Village station at 152nd Avenue Northeast to Seattle and Downtown Bellevue, crossing Lake Washington on

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4326-453: The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge and I-405. Sound Transit began Link light rail service along the Redmond portion of the SR 520 corridor in April 2024, with the opening of the 2 Line to Redmond Technology station . Approved by voters in 2008, the line will connect Redmond Technology station at Northeast 40th Street and Overlake Village station at 152nd Avenue Northeast to Seattle and Downtown Bellevue, crossing Lake Washington on

4429-655: The Mercer Island bridge. In 1953, the Washington State Legislature approved the construction of a second floating bridge, using past and future tolls to fund its construction. The west end of the floating bridge was to connect to the Everett–Seattle tollway (later I-5) at Roanoke Street, south of the planned Ship Canal Bridge , as well as the proposed Empire Way Expressway (later the R.H. Thompson Expressway) at Montlake. The east end

4532-452: The Mercer Island bridge. In 1953, the Washington State Legislature approved the construction of a second floating bridge, using past and future tolls to fund its construction. The west end of the floating bridge was to connect to the Everett–Seattle tollway (later I-5) at Roanoke Street, south of the planned Ship Canal Bridge , as well as the proposed Empire Way Expressway (later the R.H. Thompson Expressway) at Montlake. The east end

4635-537: The Montlake–Evergreen Point alignment in 1954, intending to begin construction in 1955, but the alignment dispute delayed a final decision until December 1956. Citizen groups from the Montlake area protested the decision, but were largely ignored by the project's citizen committee. Construction of the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge began on August 29, 1960, and assembly of the bridge's pontoons began

4738-414: The Montlake–Evergreen Point alignment in 1954, intending to begin construction in 1955, but the alignment dispute delayed a final decision until December 1956. Citizen groups from the Montlake area protested the decision, but were largely ignored by the project's citizen committee. Construction of the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge began on August 29, 1960, and assembly of the bridge's pontoons began

4841-701: The Overlake Village area via a set of new streets and an underpass. It began construction in 2021 and was opened in December 2023 at a cost of $ 68 million. The package also funded $ 40.9 million to engineer and acquire land for an expanded interchange at 124th Avenue Northeast in Bellevue to serve the Spring District . Since the opening of the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge in 1963, several proposals from local governments have requested

4944-458: The Overlake Village area via a set of new streets and an underpass. It began construction in 2021 and was opened in December 2023 at a cost of $ 68 million. The package also funded $ 40.9 million to engineer and acquire land for an expanded interchange at 124th Avenue Northeast in Bellevue to serve the Spring District . Since the opening of the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge in 1963, several proposals from local governments have requested

5047-476: The Overlake area, contributing to major traffic congestion on the freeway. In 1994, the state government approved $ 81.1 million (equivalent to $ 151 million in 2023 dollars ) in highway improvements for the SR 520 corridor, including lane expansions and the addition of HOV lanes. The segment from West Lake Sammamish Parkway to SR 202 was widened from two to four lanes in September 1995, and included

5150-419: The Overlake area, contributing to major traffic congestion on the freeway. In 1994, the state government approved $ 81.1 million (equivalent to $ 151 million in 2023 dollars ) in highway improvements for the SR 520 corridor, including lane expansions and the addition of HOV lanes. The segment from West Lake Sammamish Parkway to SR 202 was widened from two to four lanes in September 1995, and included

5253-604: The Southern end of the Washington Park Arboretum on Lake Washington Boulevard East. The Garden is one of the oldest Japanese Gardens in North America, and is regarded as one of the most authentic Japanese Gardens in the United States. 47°38′13″N 122°17′46″W  /  47.637°N 122.296°W  / 47.637; -122.296 Washington State Route 520 State Route 520 ( SR 520 )

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5356-560: The Union Bay wetlands at the park's northern end, interchanging with Lake Washington Boulevard just outside the arboretum entrance. A footpath winds underneath the freeway overpasses and over boardwalks, along the Lake Washington ship canal, and into the gardens of the Arboretum. The Arboretum is well known for Azalea Way in the springtime, a stretch of the park which offers a unique tapestry of azaleas of many colors. The area

5459-601: The Woodland Garden, as well as sub-surface drainage from the neighboring course of the Broadmoor Golf Club . It empties into Lake Washington via Willow Bay, itself a minor arm of Union Bay , having passed through numerous culverts under Lake Washington Boulevard. Washington Park was developed on land that had been logged by the Puget Mill Company for sixty years. In 1920, the parcel was split in two. The eastern 200 acres (0.8 km) were developed as

5562-537: The area. The overpass's $ 30 million cost (equivalent to $ 41 million in 2023 dollars ) was funded mostly by Microsoft , along with contributions from the City of Redmond and federal stimulus funding. Additional projects were funded by the Connecting Washington funding package, which was approved by the state legislature in 2015. An additional ramp is being added to the 148th Avenue Northeast interchange in Overlake, connecting eastbound traffic to

5665-465: The area. The overpass's $ 30 million cost (equivalent to $ 41 million in 2023 dollars ) was funded mostly by Microsoft , along with contributions from the City of Redmond and federal stimulus funding. Additional projects were funded by the Connecting Washington funding package, which was approved by the state legislature in 2015. An additional ramp is being added to the 148th Avenue Northeast interchange in Overlake, connecting eastbound traffic to

5768-410: The bridge replacement project in 1997, including a Sand Point crossing and various designs for a parallel replacement span. The non-bridge elements of the project on the Eastside would be centered on lidding the freeway; a proposal to build a lid over the entire section between Lake Washington and I-405 was rejected due to its projected cost of $ 2 billion. In 2003, the alternatives were narrowed to

5871-410: The bridge replacement project in 1997, including a Sand Point crossing and various designs for a parallel replacement span. The non-bridge elements of the project on the Eastside would be centered on lidding the freeway; a proposal to build a lid over the entire section between Lake Washington and I-405 was rejected due to its projected cost of $ 2 billion. In 2003, the alternatives were narrowed to

5974-430: The bridge. The City of Redmond opposed the request, leading to a dispute between the two cities that was later resolved with a compromise to place completion of SR 520 ahead of the bus lane. The state government approved funding for the Redmond project in 1977, extending SR 520 by 2.65 miles (4.26 km) at an estimated cost of $ 10 million (equivalent to $ 39 million in 2023 dollars ), funded using part of

6077-430: The bridge. The City of Redmond opposed the request, leading to a dispute between the two cities that was later resolved with a compromise to place completion of SR 520 ahead of the bus lane. The state government approved funding for the Redmond project in 1977, extending SR 520 by 2.65 miles (4.26 km) at an estimated cost of $ 10 million (equivalent to $ 39 million in 2023 dollars ), funded using part of

6180-538: The construction of a new bridge across the Sammamish River. In late 1996, the highway's terminus at SR 202 was converted from a signalized intersection to an interchange, including an overpass connecting to Avondale Road. SR 520's HOV lanes between I-405 and West Lake Sammamish Parkway were opened in 1999 after a $ 40 million (equivalent to $ 69 million in 2023 dollars ) expansion project. The new lanes were restricted to two persons per vehicle, while

6283-473: The construction of a new bridge across the Sammamish River. In late 1996, the highway's terminus at SR 202 was converted from a signalized intersection to an interchange, including an overpass connecting to Avondale Road. SR 520's HOV lanes between I-405 and West Lake Sammamish Parkway were opened in 1999 after a $ 40 million (equivalent to $ 69 million in 2023 dollars ) expansion project. The new lanes were restricted to two persons per vehicle, while

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6386-491: The construction of a new causeway linking the new floating bridge to the mainland. The potential impact of plans to reconstruct and expand State Route 520 and replace the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge in the early 2010s have raised concerns among Arboretum staff and park users. As the members of the Arboretum community noted in their collective letter to the Washington State Department of Transportation , "Native plants, wetlands, and wildlife ... would be affected not only by

6489-452: The construction of a parallel span or additional pontoons to increase capacity and add infrastructure for rapid transit and bicyclists. Daily traffic crossing the bridge rose from 17,400 cars in 1964 to nearly 100,000 in 1987, making the bridge the worst traffic bottleneck in the state of Washington. By the late 1990s, the bridge was carrying twice as much traffic as it was designed to handle, and calls from Eastside cities and companies for

6592-452: The construction of a parallel span or additional pontoons to increase capacity and add infrastructure for rapid transit and bicyclists. Daily traffic crossing the bridge rose from 17,400 cars in 1964 to nearly 100,000 in 1987, making the bridge the worst traffic bottleneck in the state of Washington. By the late 1990s, the bridge was carrying twice as much traffic as it was designed to handle, and calls from Eastside cities and companies for

6695-514: The eastern shore of Lake Washington were established in the late 19th century and initially served by steamship ferries , bringing passengers and goods to and from Seattle. By 1913, the steam ferry Leschi was transporting automobiles and pedestrians between Seattle and the docks in Bellevue, Kirkland , and Medina. In 1940, the Lake Washington Floating Bridge was opened between Seattle and Mercer Island , carrying

6798-428: The eastern shore of Lake Washington were established in the late 19th century and initially served by steamship ferries , bringing passengers and goods to and from Seattle. By 1913, the steam ferry Leschi was transporting automobiles and pedestrians between Seattle and the docks in Bellevue, Kirkland , and Medina. In 1940, the Lake Washington Floating Bridge was opened between Seattle and Mercer Island , carrying

6901-629: The express lane ramp, at a cost of up to $ 1.4 billion. The third phase is a planned second bascule bridge over the Montlake Cut that parallels the existing Montlake Bridge to increase vehicular capacity. The SR 520 corridor is served by Sound Transit Express Route 545, as well as other Sound Transit Express, King County Metro , and Community Transit bus routes. The corridor averaged about 24,500 weekday riders in 2016, using 700 bus trips on 18 routes. During peak periods, buses travel on SR 520 every one to four minutes between

7004-569: The express lane ramp, at a cost of up to $ 1.4 billion. The third phase is a planned second bascule bridge over the Montlake Cut that parallels the existing Montlake Bridge to increase vehicular capacity. The SR 520 corridor is served by Sound Transit Express Route 545, as well as other Sound Transit Express, King County Metro , and Community Transit bus routes. The corridor averaged about 24,500 weekday riders in 2016, using 700 bus trips on 18 routes. During peak periods, buses travel on SR 520 every one to four minutes between

7107-476: The following year. The bridge and its approach highways, connecting the main branch of Primary State Highway 1 in Seattle to its Eastside branch near Bellevue, were added to the state highway system in March 1961. Construction of the western approach, an expressway between the Roanoke Interchange, Portage Bay, Montlake, and the Washington Park Arboretum, began in early 1962. The eastern approach

7210-405: The following year. The bridge and its approach highways, connecting the main branch of Primary State Highway 1 in Seattle to its Eastside branch near Bellevue, were added to the state highway system in March 1961. Construction of the western approach, an expressway between the Roanoke Interchange, Portage Bay, Montlake, and the Washington Park Arboretum, began in early 1962. The eastern approach

7313-481: The morning and evening peak periods ; tolls paid by mail are charged an additional $ 2. The freeway reaches the eastern end of Lake Washington at Evergreen Point in northern Medina , where it travels under a landscaped park lid and next to a median-side bus station . After an interchange and lid at 84th Avenue Northeast in Hunts Point , SR 520 travels eastward around the northern edge of Clyde Hill in

7416-422: The morning and evening peak periods ; tolls paid by mail are charged an additional $ 2. The freeway reaches the eastern end of Lake Washington at Evergreen Point in northern Medina , where it travels under a landscaped park lid and next to a median-side bus station . After an interchange and lid at 84th Avenue Northeast in Hunts Point , SR 520 travels eastward around the northern edge of Clyde Hill in

7519-414: The north side of the freeway were completed and opened, forming a 4.5-mile-long (7.2 km) trail from northern Bellevue to Marymoor Park in Redmond. In the late 2000s, WSDOT completed several highway improvement projects on the segment of SR 520 between West Lake Sammamish Parkway and SR 202 in Downtown Redmond. In August 2008, a flyover ramp from westbound SR 202 to westbound SR 520

7622-414: The north side of the freeway were completed and opened, forming a 4.5-mile-long (7.2 km) trail from northern Bellevue to Marymoor Park in Redmond. In the late 2000s, WSDOT completed several highway improvement projects on the segment of SR 520 between West Lake Sammamish Parkway and SR 202 in Downtown Redmond. In August 2008, a flyover ramp from westbound SR 202 to westbound SR 520

7725-498: The older HOV lanes between I-405 and the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge had a three-person requirement. A new interchange was built at Northeast 40th Street in 2000 to serve the Microsoft Redmond Campus and other nearby employers, along with a set of collector–distributor lanes through the area, and ramp meters to manage traffic flow. Between 1994 and 2002, portions of a multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path on

7828-421: The older HOV lanes between I-405 and the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge had a three-person requirement. A new interchange was built at Northeast 40th Street in 2000 to serve the Microsoft Redmond Campus and other nearby employers, along with a set of collector–distributor lanes through the area, and ramp meters to manage traffic flow. Between 1994 and 2002, portions of a multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path on

7931-608: The park. Its average channel width is 4 feet (1.2 m) and its average channel depth is 2 feet (0.61 m). The creek's source is a spring-fed stream in the Alder Creek Natural Area, three publicly owned properties on 26th Ave East between East Helen and Prospect streets. The stream feeds the koi pond in Washington Park's Japanese Garden , near Washington Park Playfield at the park's southern end. It also receives runoff from Rhododendron Glen and

8034-526: The plan on May 4, 1969. Construction near the Arboretum later continued but citizen protest eventually won out and the plan was dropped in 1971. The freeway revolt that stopped the R. H. Thomson Expressway had its origins in opposition to SR 520 itself. Architect Victor Steinbrueck, writing in 1962, objected to the "naked brutality of unimaginative structures such as this proposed crossing of Portage Bay, which eliminates fifty houseboats while casting its shadow and noise across this tranquil boat haven." In 2013

8137-602: The program, planned to be completed by 2024, included construction of the eastbound lanes of the western approach bridge and a new Montlake Boulevard interchange with HOV lane ramps, a relocated bus station, and a park lid. The eastbound approach to the floating bridge was opened to limited traffic in July 2023 and expanded to carry three lanes in its permanent configuration the following month. The HOV access ramps to Montlake Boulevard were opened in September 2024. The second phase, to be constructed between 2020 and 2031, will include

8240-551: The program, planned to be completed by 2024, included construction of the eastbound lanes of the western approach bridge and a new Montlake Boulevard interchange with HOV lane ramps, a relocated bus station, and a park lid. The eastbound approach to the floating bridge was opened to limited traffic in July 2023 and expanded to carry three lanes in its permanent configuration the following month. The HOV access ramps to Montlake Boulevard were opened in September 2024. The second phase, to be constructed between 2020 and 2031, will include

8343-598: The remaining freeway to Redmond, via a northeastward course through the Overlake area and across Marymoor Park. Construction of a 1.3-mile-long (2.1 km) segment between 124th Avenue Northeast and 148th Avenue Northeast in Overlake began in February 1972 and was completed in December 1973. The planned route of SR 520 along the north side of Marymoor Park in Redmond was given the temporary designation of SR 920 in 1975. The two-lane expressway , connecting West Lake Sammamish Parkway ( SR 901 ) and SR 202,

8446-542: The remaining freeway to Redmond, via a northeastward course through the Overlake area and across Marymoor Park. Construction of a 1.3-mile-long (2.1 km) segment between 124th Avenue Northeast and 148th Avenue Northeast in Overlake began in February 1972 and was completed in December 1973. The planned route of SR 520 along the north side of Marymoor Park in Redmond was given the temporary designation of SR 920 in 1975. The two-lane expressway , connecting West Lake Sammamish Parkway ( SR 901 ) and SR 202,

8549-423: The six-lane Evergreen Point Floating Bridge ; at 7,710 feet (2,350 m), it is the longest floating bridge in the world. Tolls are collected electronically using the state's Good to Go pass or by mail, and vary based on time of day and the vehicle's number of axles . As of 2024 , tolls for Good to Go users range from a minimum of $ 1.35 between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. and a maximum of $ 4.90 during

8652-423: The six-lane Evergreen Point Floating Bridge ; at 7,710 feet (2,350 m), it is the longest floating bridge in the world. Tolls are collected electronically using the state's Good to Go pass or by mail, and vary based on time of day and the vehicle's number of axles . As of 2024 , tolls for Good to Go users range from a minimum of $ 1.35 between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. and a maximum of $ 4.90 during

8755-495: The state's highways to measure traffic volume in terms of annual average daily traffic . In 2016, WSDOT calculated that 80,000 vehicles traveled on SR 520 near its interchange with SR 202 in Redmond and 47,000 vehicles used it at SR 513 in Seattle, the highest and lowest traffic counts along the highway, respectively. The highway is noted for its lack of a " reverse commute ", with roughly equal amounts of traffic in both directions during peak periods. New towns along

8858-495: The state's highways to measure traffic volume in terms of annual average daily traffic . In 2016, WSDOT calculated that 80,000 vehicles traveled on SR 520 near its interchange with SR 202 in Redmond and 47,000 vehicles used it at SR 513 in Seattle, the highest and lowest traffic counts along the highway, respectively. The highway is noted for its lack of a " reverse commute ", with roughly equal amounts of traffic in both directions during peak periods. New towns along

8961-468: The taking of land but by the looming shadows created by roadways in various proposals". Among the alternative proposals is the "Arboretum Bypass Plan," building the new elevated highway over Union Bay on a more northerly route than the current one. The Seattle Japanese Garden is a 3.5 acre (14,000 m) Japanese garden in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle, Washington . The Garden is located in

9064-611: Was constructed between 1962 and 1963, connecting the bridge to Medina, Secondary State Highway 2A in southern Houghton , and Northup Way—a local road that continued east towards Redmond. The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge opened on August 28, 1963, along with the Roanoke Expressway, part of the Seattle Freeway, and the eastern approach to Houghton and Bellevue up to a temporary interchange with 104th Avenue Northeast. The bridge and its approaches, constituting

9167-477: Was constructed between 1962 and 1963, connecting the bridge to Medina, Secondary State Highway 2A in southern Houghton , and Northup Way—a local road that continued east towards Redmond. The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge opened on August 28, 1963, along with the Roanoke Expressway, part of the Seattle Freeway, and the eastern approach to Houghton and Bellevue up to a temporary interchange with 104th Avenue Northeast. The bridge and its approaches, constituting

9270-432: Was dedicated on April 2, 2016, as the longest floating bridge in the world. The westbound lanes opened on April 11 and the eastbound lanes were opened on April 25. The new, 116-foot-wide (35 m) bridge features four general purpose lanes and two HOV lanes, as well as a multi-use trail on its north side that opened on December 20, 2017. Demolition of the former bridge was completed in early 2017. The western approach

9373-432: Was dedicated on April 2, 2016, as the longest floating bridge in the world. The westbound lanes opened on April 11 and the eastbound lanes were opened on April 25. The new, 116-foot-wide (35 m) bridge features four general purpose lanes and two HOV lanes, as well as a multi-use trail on its north side that opened on December 20, 2017. Demolition of the former bridge was completed in early 2017. The western approach

9476-495: Was expanded in 1973 to accommodate a bus-only lane at the request of Metro Transit , which had begun operating express buses over the bridge. The Northup Interchange, where SR 520 intersects I-405, was opened on November 22, 1966. The highway was also extended east from 104th Avenue Northeast to 124th Avenue Northeast, serving the Bel-Red industrial area. The state government announced plans in 1968 to begin construction on

9579-440: Was expanded in 1973 to accommodate a bus-only lane at the request of Metro Transit , which had begun operating express buses over the bridge. The Northup Interchange, where SR 520 intersects I-405, was opened on November 22, 1966. The highway was also extended east from 104th Avenue Northeast to 124th Avenue Northeast, serving the Bel-Red industrial area. The state government announced plans in 1968 to begin construction on

9682-409: Was opened in 1963 as a replacement for the cross-lake ferry system that had operated since the late 19th century. In 1964, SR 520 was designated as a freeway connecting I-5 to I-405. An extension to Redmond was proposed later in the decade. In the 1970s and 1980s, sections of the freeway between Bellevue and Redmond were opened to traffic, replacing the temporary designation of SR 920. Since

9785-409: Was opened in 1963 as a replacement for the cross-lake ferry system that had operated since the late 19th century. In 1964, SR 520 was designated as a freeway connecting I-5 to I-405. An extension to Redmond was proposed later in the decade. In the 1970s and 1980s, sections of the freeway between Bellevue and Redmond were opened to traffic, replacing the temporary designation of SR 920. Since

9888-427: Was opened in July 1977 after several months of construction. Completion of the last segment of SR 520, between 148th Avenue Northeast and SR 920, was given priority by Eastside cities and civic groups in the mid-1970s. However, the City of Bellevue asked that the state government build a reversible bus lane on the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge before completing the last segment, due to increased traffic on

9991-427: Was opened in July 1977 after several months of construction. Completion of the last segment of SR 520, between 148th Avenue Northeast and SR 920, was given priority by Eastside cities and civic groups in the mid-1970s. However, the City of Bellevue asked that the state government build a reversible bus lane on the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge before completing the last segment, due to increased traffic on

10094-404: Was opened to traffic, replacing a pair of onramp traffic signals. SR 520 was widened to four lanes in each direction in 2010, in a multi-phase project that added HOV and merge lanes, as well as reconstructed ramps at West Lake Sammamish Parkway. In addition to the Downtown Redmond projects, a new lid-like overpass at Northeast 36th Street in Overlake was opened in 2010 to improve traffic in

10197-404: Was opened to traffic, replacing a pair of onramp traffic signals. SR 520 was widened to four lanes in each direction in 2010, in a multi-phase project that added HOV and merge lanes, as well as reconstructed ramps at West Lake Sammamish Parkway. In addition to the Downtown Redmond projects, a new lid-like overpass at Northeast 36th Street in Overlake was opened in 2010 to improve traffic in

10300-499: Was partially replaced with a new bridge for westbound traffic in August 2017, with the eastbound lanes temporarily remaining on the old approach bridge. As part of the project, several " ghost ramps " in the Washington Park Arboretum for the cancelled R.H. Thomson Expressway were demolished in 2017, despite calls to preserve them in memory of the protests that cancelled the projects in the 1960s. A park with one preserved set of columns

10403-446: Was partially replaced with a new bridge for westbound traffic in August 2017, with the eastbound lanes temporarily remaining on the old approach bridge. As part of the project, several " ghost ramps " in the Washington Park Arboretum for the cancelled R.H. Thomson Expressway were demolished in 2017, despite calls to preserve them in memory of the protests that cancelled the projects in the 1960s. A park with one preserved set of columns

10506-526: Was to connect to the planned north–south freeway bypass of the Seattle area (later I-405), with an optional connection to the Stevens Pass Highway . Two alignments for the floating bridge were considered in the late 1950s: a Sand Point –Kirkland, favored by the City of Seattle; and an Evergreen Point crossing, favored by the state government and the U.S. Navy , which operated Naval Air Station Sand Point . The state government initially chose

10609-455: Was to connect to the planned north–south freeway bypass of the Seattle area (later I-405), with an optional connection to the Stevens Pass Highway . Two alignments for the floating bridge were considered in the late 1950s: a Sand Point –Kirkland, favored by the City of Seattle; and an Evergreen Point crossing, favored by the state government and the U.S. Navy , which operated Naval Air Station Sand Point . The state government initially chose

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