Originally published Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 12:00 AM

520 bridge price jumps to $4.5B — or more

New cost estimates from the state Department of Transportation released today show the most likely price of a new Highway 520 bridge has increased to $4.5 billion, if an interchange similar to today's Montlake interchange is chosen.

By Mike Lindblom

Seattle Times transportation reporter

If other options are selected to reduce the project's impact on Seattle's Montlake neighborhood and the Washington Park Arboretum, costs would increase another $500 million to $2 billion, according to David Dye, deputy transportation secretary.

Earlier this year, transportation officials said they could deliver a new bridge for about $3.9 billion. Design changes and the rising cost of materials have driven the price higher.

Mike Lindblom: 206-515-5631 or mlindblom@seattletimes.com

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Comments

We have a 520 bridge that works; the cost to replace it is too high. The big push is to replace the 530 bridge before a big earthquake hits. This... Posted on November 20, 2008 at 1:55 PM by Kruller. Jump to comment

Thanks Gregoire for spending us $5 billion into the hole. That money could have more than paid for the best-option 520 replacement. All those... Posted on November 20, 2008 at 2:07 PM by thatotherdude. Jump to comment

At least there won't be any Shovys, Puicks or Chiselers on it. Posted on November 20, 2008 at 5:48 PM by BigChanges. Jump to comment

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