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Skanska has signed a $1.4 billion contract to replace it Portage Bay Bridge in Seattlethe Sweden-based contractor and developer announced on Wednesday.
Construction will begin in August, with completion expected in 2031.
The project will replace the existing Portage Bay Bridge to ensure it is better protected from seismic activity. The stretch connects the Eastlake and Montlake neighborhoods north of Seattle’s Capitol Hill.
The current bridge was built in the 1960s and is nearing the end of its functional life, according to the Washington State DOT: The is supported by a four-lane bridge by hollow concrete columns, which could collapse in a major earthquake.
In addition, Skanska will construct a new landscaped freeway cap to cover the freeway west of the stretch with approximately 3 acres of neighborhood open space and local trails for non-motorized traffic between Seattle’s Roanoke Park and neighborhoods of North Capitol Hill.
The bridge replacement is part of the State Route 520 HOV and Replacement Program and a key piece of improvements to the SR 520 corridor in Seattle.
