A common vision for a new 520 bridge

OLYMPIA – The kind of political paralysis that has stalled the replacement of Alaskan Way Viaduct can be avoided when replacing the Highway 520 bridge, said Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle.

Murray has offered Senate Bill 6099 to create a process for bringing Seattle neighborhood groups and local political leaders together to work out a common vision for a new 520 bridge.

“I hear a lot of concerns about how construction of the new 520 bridge will impact the neighborhoods, the University of Washington and the Arboretum,” said Murray. “These are legitimate concerns, but unless they’re properly addressed, they have the potential to create political paralysis on another major transportation project.”

Murray said feedback from neighborhood activists could be used to make decisions about mitigation that would then be included in project designs.

His bill would require the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) to use existing appropriations for the State Route 520 bridge replacement project to hire a mediator with staff expertise in urban, transportation and neighborhood planning. The mediator would work with neighborhood groups, as well as representatives from the Arboretum, the University of Washington and the city of Seattle to develop a plan designed to mitigate the potential impact of the construction of the new highway.

The impact plan must be approved by the Transportation Commission 60 days prior to the joint Sound Transit and Regional Transportation Investment District ballot in November.

“It’s time to move forward with a common vision,” Murray said.

The Senate Transportation Committee approved SB 6099 on Monday.

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