The new bridge will have either 4 or six lanes. Added bicycle access would halve the time spent in a hypothetical commute from Gasworks Park in Seattle to Redmond Town Center.

In our comments to WSDOT Cascade pointed out critical missing elements, namely a connection to the SR-520 trail across the I-405 interchange which would create an uninterrupted cycling corridor for commuters crossing the lake. Further, the over-water nonmotorized connection to Madison Park must be made from the bridge trail. Finally, the bicycle and pedestrian path should extend across Portage Bay to the Eastlake neighborhood in Seattle. This provides the most direct route to employment districts in South Lake Union, Denny Triangle and Downtown.

One plan envisions a bridge over Portage Bay and Montlake. The "Pacific Interchange" would be located over Foster Island, connecting to an exit at Husky Stadium. The existing Montlake Interchange would be dismantled. In its place, a landscaped lid would cover the highway.

The idea of a huge interchange with up to 15 lanes being built above wetlands has provoked concerns from environmental and civic groups. Nevertheless the Seattle City Council is leaning toward endorsing the plan this month, along with a six-lane floating bridge. Governor Gregoire expects to choose a plan by early 2007, in time for a regional transportation ballot measure next fall.

The Pacific Interchange is gaining favor in City Hall largely because the design would improve transit performance and reduce travel times. Also by moving the exit farther east to the Pacific Interchange, there would be less chance that eastbound traffic on 520 would back up all the way to Interstate 5.

To reduce the environmental problems, Virginia Gunby, a former state transportation commissioner, suggests a new four-lane bridge, with two of those lanes limited to transit and carpools in peak hours. A four-lane bridge would not require a larger interchange.

The proposed 110-foot-high exit bridge to UW which would pass over the east end of the Montlake Cut might be negotiated down to 70 feet to save direct non-motorized access to the University, if the Coast Guard agrees. If it cannot be lowered, the bridge will be too steep for bicyclists or pedestrians.

There's no strategy yet to pay for the $4.4 billion to $5.3 billion project.

What's next for 520?

Late November 2006: Gov. Gregoire expected to issue a statement about Highway 520 finances.

Early 2007: Legislature convenes. If she hasn't already done so, Gregoire will announce her choice for a SR-520 replacement.

November 2007: Voters in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties may consider a ballot measure to fund $18 billion in transit and highway projects.