(Image: WSDOT)
When you think about building a bridge you probably think of things like pilings and cable stays — not wiring and underground utilities. The seven-year 520 Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid construction project continues this summer also includes lots of utility work, it turns out.
WSDOT is updating (PDF) neighbors in the areas around Roanoke Park and down along Boyer Ave E of “major construction coming to your neighborhood” —
As part of the SR 520 Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid Project, WSDOT and Skanska will work with the city of Seattle to relocate utilities in your area. For the next six months, you can expect crews to be working on Boyer Avenue East, in the Boyer hillside and along East Roanoke Street to complete this utility work.
The utilities in question are a big deal including moving a major 12-inch water main and a 26-kilovolt power line.
The work will mean major traffic detours and closures including the Boyer Stairs connecting Montlake to Interlaken Park and Capitol Hill. You can find the traffic and walking details here (PDF).
WSDOT says starting this fall, crews will begin work on the Boyer hillside for the new Portage Bay bridges and sections of the Roanoke Lid.
The utility work is expected to involve removing trees and vegetation to make way for construction, closing the Boyer Stairs and relocating utilities. The relocation work will stretch into 2026.
Because of other construction efforts, the Boyer Stairs will remain closed into 2030.
Work on the entirety of the project is hoped to be wrapped up by 2031.
CHS reported here in November on the start of the $1.4 billion Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid project.
The Montlake Lid portion of the multiyear replacement project has been completed with celebration of the massive project’s walk/bike bridge taking place over the winter.
Visit WSDOT’s SR 520 Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid Project page to learn more. If you have questions or concerns, call the project’s 24-hour construction hotline at 206-319-4520.
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