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5 Critical Updates: Is The SR 520 Bridge Closed Today? Your Guide To WSDOT's Montlake Project Closures

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Navigating the State Route 520 corridor across Lake Washington can feel like a daily gamble, especially with the massive, multi-year construction projects underway. For travelers searching "520 bridge closed today" on Friday, December 19, 2025, the short answer is that while a full weekend closure may not be in effect, you should expect significant, frequent, and often unannounced nightly ramp and lane closures due to the ongoing WSDOT construction program. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is deep into the final phases of the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program, meaning disruption is the new normal, particularly around the Montlake area.

The key to a smooth commute is understanding the pattern of these closures, which are primarily focused on the Montlake Project and the final connections to I-5. This article breaks down the current status, the reason for the chaos, and the essential steps you need to take to avoid being stuck on the Eastside or in Seattle.

The SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program: A Project Overview

The frequent closures of the SR 520 bridge are not random; they are part of one of the largest infrastructure projects in Washington State history, with a timeline that extends well into the future. The overall program is replacing the aging Evergreen Point Floating Bridge and improving the entire corridor from I-405 in Bellevue to I-5 in Seattle.

Key Project Entities and Timeline

  • Project Name: SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program
  • Managing Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
  • Primary Focus Area: The Montlake Project (between I-5 and Lake Washington)
  • Overall Project Timeline: 2011 to 2031
  • Montlake Project Status: Substantially completed in May 2025, but significant construction activities continue, especially on the final connections and the new Montlake lid.
  • Current Activity (December 2025): Work is focused on utilities, permanent pavement installation, barrier removal, and final sign bridge placement, often requiring nightly and weekend full closures of the highway and associated ramps.

The closures you are experiencing are directly tied to the final push to complete the Montlake Project, which includes a new landscaped lid, a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, and the new eastbound bridge over Union Bay.

Immediate Closure Status: What to Expect Today (December 19, 2025)

While specific full weekend closures are announced weekly, the pattern of closures throughout December 2025 provides a clear indication of what drivers should anticipate, especially during the late-night and early-morning hours.

1. Frequent Nightly Closures are the Standard

The most common impact is the nightly closure of SR 520 or its major ramps. These typically occur between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and are essential for crews to safely work on the roadway. For example, earlier this month, the eastbound SR 520 off-ramp to Montlake Boulevard was closed nightly for several days. If you are traveling late on a Friday or Saturday night, assume there will be a closure across Lake Washington or a key ramp.

2. Eastbound I-5 to SR 520 Connection is a Hotspot

A recurring closure point is the connection from I-5 to eastbound SR 520. When this section is closed, all traffic from I-5 must use alternate routes to get to the Eastside. This is critical for commuters heading from downtown Seattle toward Bellevue, Kirkland, or Redmond.

3. Weekend Full Closures Remain Likely

WSDOT regularly schedules full, weekend-long closures—typically from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday—to perform large-scale work like paving, utility installation, or major structural changes. While a specific full closure for December 19-22, 2025, may not be publicly highlighted, the sheer volume of work remaining means travelers should check the WSDOT construction corner before *any* weekend trip. These closures often affect the highway in both directions between I-5 and the Eastside.

5 Essential Strategies to Survive the 520 Bridge Closures

Avoiding the traffic nightmare requires proactive planning and a willingness to use alternatives. Here are the five most effective strategies to navigate the SR 520 construction zone.

1. Always Check the WSDOT Construction Corner

This is the single most important step. WSDOT maintains a dedicated "Construction Corner" website and a Twitter feed (@sr520) that provides the most current and specific closure times. Do not rely on general map apps alone; check the official source for the latest updates on the SR 520 Trail closure and vehicular closures.

2. The I-90 Floating Bridge is Your Primary Alternative

When the SR 520 is closed, the I-90 Floating Bridge (Lacey V. Murrow and Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridges) becomes the primary alternate route across Lake Washington. Prepare for heavy congestion on I-90 and the connecting ramps, as thousands of diverted vehicles will use this route. Plan your travel time with an extra 30–60 minutes during peak diversion periods.

3. Utilize the SR 520 Toll Rebate during Closures

In some specific cases, when a ramp closure forces I-5 traffic onto the main SR 520 bridge, WSDOT has stated that they will cover the bridge toll during the hours the ramp is closed. While this does not apply to all closures, it is a small financial relief for drivers forced onto the toll bridge.

4. Embrace Transit: The Bus and Park & Ride System

The most efficient way to bypass the construction is often to use public transit. King County Metro and Sound Transit run numerous routes that utilize the HOV lanes and the SR 520 corridor. Using a Park & Ride facility on the Eastside and taking a bus into Seattle can save significant time and stress, especially during major weekend closures.

5. Know the Montlake Boulevard On-Ramp Exception

During many of the closures affecting the I-5 to eastbound SR 520 connection, the Montlake Boulevard on-ramp to eastbound SR 520 remains open. This is a crucial detail for local Seattle drivers who can use surface streets to reach Montlake Boulevard and access the bridge, effectively bypassing the I-5 bottleneck. However, this is not a guarantee for all closures, so always verify.

The Long View: Why the Closures Will Continue

The construction and subsequent closures are a necessary evil to complete the massive SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program. The new system is designed to improve seismic safety, provide more reliable transit, and reduce congestion with new HOV lanes. While the Montlake Project is nearing its end, the overall program continues. Drivers should expect the pattern of frequent nightly and occasional weekend closures to persist well into 2026 and beyond as final project phases, including the Portage Bay Bridge construction, move forward. Staying informed via WSDOT is the only way to minimize travel delays in the Puget Sound region.

5 Critical Updates: Is the SR 520 Bridge Closed Today? Your Guide to WSDOT's Montlake Project Closures
520 bridge closed today
520 bridge closed today

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