DOT chooses plan for new 520 bridge

MEDINA, Wash. -- The state is one step closer to knowing what a new 520 Bridge would look like after the Department of Transportation picked a plan for one part of the bridge.

The design, which they called "Option A," calls for three lanes of traffic in each direction, a lid at the I-5 interchange and at 10th and Delmar, and McMurdy Park, as well as a 7-lane Portage bay Bridge.

Some drivers worried that six lanes of traffic across Lake Washington isn't enough.

"I just think with the population growth here and on the west side (of Lake Washington) that we're gonna need four lanes probably sooner than later," said Steve West. "I don't see why they don't do four now."

The task force added some improvements to the original proposal seen above -- mainly adding in more on and off ramps.

The estimated cost for the entire project will be nearly $4.7 billion. Tolls on SR-520 and part of I-90 will help pay for it, along with federal and state dollars.

The bridge should be ready for commuters by 2014.

More information at WSDOT's Web site