Federal approval has been granted for the replacement of the bridge in Washington, USA. This allows WSDOT to move forward with the US$3.45 billion project as the the federal decision completes the project's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The environmental decision was the last step in the NEPA environmental approval process for the project, which includes replacement of the Govenor Albert D Rossellini – Evergreen Point Bridge, more commonly known as the SR 520 floating bridge.
"Reaching this important milestone brings Washington closer to improving safety and easing congestion for the thousands who depend on the SR 520 floating bridge every day," said US transportation secretary Ray LaHood.
The signing of the record of decision completes a comprehensive environmental review process that began in the late 1990s with discussions of the bridge's replacement. The existing floating bridge opened to traffic in 1963 but increases in traffic volume mean that bridge is now at capacity, is the site of persistent delays and is structurally deficient.
The project extends from I-5 in Seattle to the east bank of Lake Washington in nearby Medina. In addition to replacing the structurally deficient floating bridge, the project includes widening SR 520 from four lanes to six to accommodate high-occupancy lanes that would span the entire 8.4km length of the project.
