Monorail. A new Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Now, a bold new idea for 520 would create a soaring suspension bridge.

But, frustrated drivers might look at the ideas and wonder if we are great dreamers, but not great "do-ers."

The suspension bridge, proposed by a group of Montlake neighbors, would open up wetlands, add a ramp to the proposed light rail station at UW, and bypass the Montlake Bridge.

Rob Wilkinson is one of the men behind the idea.

While very excited about the idea, Wilkinson knows there are hurdles to clear.

"Our whole objective of doing this is to try to put it on the table as something people should take a look at, study, determine if it's a technically feasible project," he says.

The state is looking. But planners are already spending millions on environmental studies and concept designs on other options for 520. Because replacing it is more than a dream.

AAA just named the bridge a traffic hotspot because it's congested and dangerous. In a major earthquake, the hollow support columns could implode. Exterior walls could crack and leak.

AAA wants Congress to get off the dime and find the money.

"We've sat around now for 18 months (without a federal transportation package)," says AAA's Janet Ray. "It's time to move forward so the states have an understanding of what level of funding they can expect for various projects."

And while the state needs that federal money, it can't count on it.

"It's not just expanding structures," said 520 Project Director Maureen Sullivan. "It's taking care of what we've got. We haven't had the money to do that either."

And without the money, it doesn't matter how great the vision is.

If funding pieces from local, state and federal governments come together, WSDOT hopes to start rebuilding a stretch of 520 from I-5 to I-405 in 2009.

For More Information:

www.betterbridge.org
www.aapublicaffairs.com
State DOT 520 Web site -- www.wsdot.wa.gov