Full 520 Bridge Closure Planned Later This Month

SEATTLE — Drivers who rely on the State Route 520 bridge will need to change up their routes later this month, when the bridge is scheduled for a full closure over Lake Washington. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, all lanes of SR 520 will close between Seattle and the Eastside beginning late Aug. 26, and reopening early Aug. 29.

WSDOT said the full closure will allow contractors to safely install more girders for the Montlake lid and realign the freeway. This month's work is the latest piece in rebuilding one of the region's busiest highway corridors, including five landscaped freeway "lids" planned for Seattle and the Eastside.

This month's work builds on the progress made during last month's full closure, when crews placed more than two dozen girders over State Route 520, filling out more of the "backbone" that will support the future lid.

The SR 520 trail will remain open during the upcoming closure, keeping the popular route available for cyclists and pedestrians. Drivers can track new developments and sign up to receive e-mail updates about the project on WSDOT's website.

Upcoming closure for SR 520 bridge:

• When: 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 - 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29.