Gregoire: 520 bridge needs to be repaired now
SEATTLE -- The state says it has just the right way to fix up the aging 520 bridge across Lake Washington.
After 13 years of study, the state has unveiled its preferred alternative for a new bridge.
The state says it listened to communities, and it listened to cities. And today's plan is the best alternative for everyone.
And the governor warned the construction must begin now.
"Mother Nature could hit us any time with sustained 70-mph winds and take the bridge down, or there could be an earthquake. We cannot afford to have that happen," said Gov. Chris Gregoire.
To cheers, a new 520 plan was unveiled. Drawings by the Department of Transportation show a stronger four-lane bridge for cars, and two more for high occupancy. The ramps are gone from the arboretum, and there's direct access for transit.
Public officials smiled. The Seattle City Council was pleased. And the governor wanted to start immediately.
"This is the right bridge at the the right time. We are ready to go," said Gregoire.
But there may be a problem or two, like the traffic on Montlake. Some of the people who live around here say the new plan will just add more traffic and make everything much worse.
"It's terrible for the arboretum. It's dysfunctional for transit and harms safety, and access for bicyclists and pedestrians. It's a disaster of a plan," said Jonathan Dubman.
Dubman and others are hinting at lawsuits, but the governor says the courts are not the answer.
"Those who would consider lawsuits should consider the impact on the community and the additional costs. It would be simply more money," said Gregoire.
Money is the other problem. The cost to fix up 520 and make other improvements is $4.65 billion. The state is $2 billion short, and no one knows where it will get the rest.
One hope is federal stimulus money. Another possibility is tolls on Interstate 90, which state lawmakers called the last resort.
After 13 years of study, the state has unveiled its preferred alternative for a new bridge.
The state says it listened to communities, and it listened to cities. And today's plan is the best alternative for everyone.
And the governor warned the construction must begin now.
"Mother Nature could hit us any time with sustained 70-mph winds and take the bridge down, or there could be an earthquake. We cannot afford to have that happen," said Gov. Chris Gregoire.
To cheers, a new 520 plan was unveiled. Drawings by the Department of Transportation show a stronger four-lane bridge for cars, and two more for high occupancy. The ramps are gone from the arboretum, and there's direct access for transit.
Public officials smiled. The Seattle City Council was pleased. And the governor wanted to start immediately.
"This is the right bridge at the the right time. We are ready to go," said Gregoire.
But there may be a problem or two, like the traffic on Montlake. Some of the people who live around here say the new plan will just add more traffic and make everything much worse.
"It's terrible for the arboretum. It's dysfunctional for transit and harms safety, and access for bicyclists and pedestrians. It's a disaster of a plan," said Jonathan Dubman.
Dubman and others are hinting at lawsuits, but the governor says the courts are not the answer.
"Those who would consider lawsuits should consider the impact on the community and the additional costs. It would be simply more money," said Gregoire.
Money is the other problem. The cost to fix up 520 and make other improvements is $4.65 billion. The state is $2 billion short, and no one knows where it will get the rest.
One hope is federal stimulus money. Another possibility is tolls on Interstate 90, which state lawmakers called the last resort.