520 bridge to close this weekend for inspection, upkeep

Highway 520's Evergreen Point floating bridge will be closed this weekend for an annual inspection and maintenance. Bridge engineers will use ultrasonic testing to look at the bridge drawspan.

The bridge is scheduled to be closed to traffic from 11 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday. The closure will extend from Montlake Boulevard East in Seattle to 92nd Avenue Northeast on the Eastside.

During the closure, ultrasonic testing will check the drawspan's vertical guide rollers. The testing will let engineers check for flaws and cracks. Crews also will inspect the bridge's mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems.

"Besides checking the condition of the bridge, we're also looking for anything that could give us problems during the winter," said state Department of Transportation bridge superintendent Archie Allen.

Crews also will repair potholes, clean drains, cut back vegetation, paint a catwalk and reseal electrical cover plates to prevent water from seeping into the bridge's power system.

In the past, some of that work has been done through a series of lane closures. Allen said combining the inspection and maintenance increases safety, reduces traffic disruptions and saves money by condensing the time required to complete the work.

Because of a number of events scheduled around the region during the weekend, including the Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic that starts at the University of Washington on Saturday morning, drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for trips.

Charles E. Brown: 206-464-2206 or cbrown@seattletimes.com