Lawmaker panel picks 520 option with interchange, second Montlake bridge

A group of state lawmakers has endorsed building a wider Montlake interchange and a second north-south Montlake drawbridge as part of their plan to replace the old Highway 520 floating bridge.

The design goes out for public comment, environmental review, and debate in the state Legislature, which is scheduled to choose a design for a new six-lane crossing of Lake Washington in April. The existing four-lane bridge, built in 1963, is vulnerable to collapse in an earthquake or severe windstorm.

Tuesday's 10-2 vote reflects impatience with design arguments that have lasted more than a decade now. House Transportation Chairwoman Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island, predicted the Legislature will go along with it, much as they supported a tunnel this spring to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

"Most people want to move on," she said after the meeting in Seattle.

The proposed second drawbridge over Montlake Cut would accommodate future traffic and bus lanes near the busy 520 crossing, but bring more traffic to a residential area, as well as demolish some homes.

The entire project would cost $4.4 billion to $4.6 billion, of which nearly half would be spent on the Seattle side.

Even with existing gas taxes and grants, the project is short $2 billion or more. The lawmakers' group voted to narrow that gap by tolling the old bridge in late 2010, at a starting range of 75 cents to $3.25 each way (2007 dollars), varying by time of day. The I-90 bridge would be tolled, but only for solo drivers wishing to use the express lanes.

In taking the vote, the SR 520 legislative work group rejected a more expensive tunneled exit from the highway to the University of Washington.

Supporters of the Montlake interchange included Senate Transportation Chair Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, and Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland.

Opposed were House Speaker Frank Chopp and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, both Seattle Democrats.

Chopp argued that since the completion date isn't until 2018, there's still time to listen to ideas from bridge neighbors. "I'm asking people to continue this dialogue, to avoid the potential for lengthy opposition or litigation," he said.

Eddy replied: "I think it is fair to say we are not acting precipitously."

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