SEATTLE, WA — Skanska recently broke ground on the SR 520 Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid Project. This significant infrastructure enhancement project, contracted by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), replaces the existing Portage Bay Bridge and constructs a landscaped lid over SR 520 in Seattle’s North Capitol Hill neighborhood. Once complete, the project will create nearly three acres of landscaped open space on the lid and enhance regional mobility, safety, and community connectivity.

“Skanska is proud to partner with WSDOT to deliver this transformative project, addressing critical infrastructure needs at the West end of the SR 520 Corridor where it connects to I-5,” said James Bailey, Executive Vice President of Skanska USA Civil’s West Coast operations. “While at its core, our work will create improvements to one of the busiest areas across the Puget Sound, this initiative is about much more than infrastructure enhancements alone. It’s about creating lasting positive impacts to the community."

The $1.4 billion design-build project includes the construction of two new parallel bridges that meet current seismic resiliency requirements as well as dedicated HOV and transit lanes, completing the SR 520 Program’s transit and HOV enhancements between Redmond and Seattle. Additionally, the project will extend the regional bicycle and pedestrian SR 520 Trail across Portage Bay. Other key elements include rebuilding off-ramps and bridges, completing a reversible ramp to I-5, and implementing a new stormwater runoff treatment system to enhance water quality in the area.

“Our project team knows the importance of maintaining the current mobility during construction,” said Geraldo "Jerry" Iniguez, Vice President of Operations at Skanska USA Civil’s West Coast operations. “That is why the design-build delivery of the project has allowed for greater collaboration on all levels to minimize impact on the community where possible, because this is a top priority for WSDOT and Skanska.”

The Portage Bay Bridge project has an anticipated completion date in 2031. AECOM will serve as the lead designer for the project.