SR 520 West Approach
SR 520 West Approach
Engaging residents, businesses, and the general public in megaproject design and construction
Engaging residents, businesses, and the general public in megaproject design and construction
Location:
Seattle, WA
Client:
Washington State Department of Transportation
Services:
Project description:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is reconstructing SR 520 to replace structurally vulnerable bridges, improve regional mobility, and broaden the public’s travel options. The corridor’s Eastside improvements have been completed, a new floating bridge has been built, and the first of two parallel west approach bridges linking Seattle to the floating bridge has opened. WSDOT is now completing the corridor’s remaining improvements in Seattle: the “Rest of the West.” First up is the Montlake Project, which will improve safety with replacement of the second west approach bridge, add open space, create new walking and biking routes, and improve mobility for everyone traveling in the corridor.
Results:
S&A is leading public outreach and communications for the design-build contractor during the design, pre-construction, and construction phases of this high-profile regional megaproject. We’re engaging project area residents, businesses, community groups, transit riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, major institutions, boaters, and local and interstate motorists, seeking their input on design and keeping them informed of what to expect during construction.
Even with the challenges of remote interaction during the COVID pandemic, S&A has kept neighbors well-informed with monthly presentations where they can hear directly from project leadership. S&A has also kept up a regular cadence of online open houses and construction notices, plus contactless pop-up events near the project site and an online interactive map of construction effects.
