Community Corner

520 Bridge Drawspan Opening Times Adjusted for Peak Commute Hours

The Washington State Department of Transportation adjusts the peak commute times when tall boats are barred from passing under the State Route 520 Bridge.

Drivers on the State Route 520 Bridge will have a little more time free from boat traffic, after the Washington State Department of Transportation announced changes to the morning and afternoon commute hours when the drawspan won't open for tall boats.

Boats taller than 45 feet will no longer be able pass between 6:30-10 a.m. (30 minutes more than the previous time) and 3-7 p.m. (an hour longer than previous time).

Boaters also will be required to provide two hours notice at all times before the drawspan will be opened, rather than just one hour during certain times of day, according the Washington State Department of Transportation.

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After , the bridge drawspan has seen an increased number of openings interrupting motorists' commutes, occasionally several times a day.

The equipment used for the project blocks the bridge's eastern navigation channel, which has a 55- to 64-foot clearance, according to the state.

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Tall boats may pass through the western navigation channel, but the western highrise has a 45-foot clearance, which means that motorists must stop while the state opens the drawspan to allow taller boats to pass through, according to the state.

New drawspan hours

Hours Weekdays Weekends Midnight - 6 a.m. Drawspan opens any time with minimum 2 hours advance notice Drawspan opens on the hour and half-hour with 2 hours advance notice 6:30-10 a.m.
(Morning peak commute) No drawspan openings 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Drawspan opens on the hour and half-hour with 2 hours advance notice 3-7 p.m. (Afternoon peak commute) No drawspan openings 7 p.m. - Midnight Drawspan opens any time with minimum 2 hours advance notice

-- Information from the Washington State Department of Transportation


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