Montlake Bridge and SR 520 ramps to Montlake Boulevard closed for Opening Day of Boating Season May 3; Bill Dawson Trail closing for five years on May 12

There is a horizontal green band that reads Rest of the West News. Above it is the letters W S D O T. An oval on the right reads state route 520.

In this update:


Opening Day of Boating Season this Saturday, May 3: Montlake Bridge and access to northbound Montlake via SR 520 ramps closed

This Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Montlake Bridge will close to all vehicle traffic for Opening Day of Boating Season. In addition, the westbound SR 520 off-ramp to Montlake Boulevard, and the left turn access (northbound) from the eastbound SR 520 off-ramp to Montlake Boulevard, will also be closed. Drivers should plan ahead and use alternate routes.

Please note this closure is not associated with the SR 520 Program. If you have questions, please contact Northwest Region at 206-440-4000 or by email at nwpublicaffairs@wsdot.wa.gov.


Boat and paddler safety in Portage Bay

As part of the Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid Project, you'll see large construction equipment and structures in the water in Portage Bay. For boater and paddler safety, please stay at least 100 feet away from active work zones.

During construction we are keeping a navigational channel open for boats and paddlers to move through Portage Bay. The channel opening is about 15 feet wide with 10 feet of vertical clearance under the Portage Bay Bridge and the temporary work platforms (see map below).

If you have questions about navigating around construction — on Opening Day or throughout spring and summer — please call the Portage Bay Project 24-hour construction hotline at 206-319-4520.

Map graphic shows an access map and legend with text for Portage Bay in-water navigation

Reminder: Bill Dawson Trail closing May 12 for five years

Starting Monday, May 12, Skanska will close the Bill Dawson Trail from the east end of the new pedestrian tunnel under Montlake Boulevard to the Montlake Playfield. The trail will reopen in 2030 with several bicycle and pedestrian improvements to the trail and surrounding area. 

We need this long-term trail closure so crews can safely access the work site to construct new retaining walls and the new Portage Bay bridges. You can learn more about why we need these trail closures and what to expect in our Bill Dawson Trail Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).  

Members of the project team will also be available to discuss the project during Opening Day festivities. You can find them at:

  • Location: Bill Dawson Trail (look for our table)
  • Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The map below shows the two signed detour routes that we’ll post in the Montlake neighborhood – one for people walking/rolling and the other for people biking.  

The map shows two signed detour routes in the Montlake neighborhood, one for people walking/rolling and other for biking

Note: In the State of Washington, bicyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk. Using the sidewalk is a great way for riders to separate themselves from vehicle traffic if they’re not comfortable riding on the road. 

We understand this long-term closure is inconvenient, especially for frequent trail users like University of Washington students and staff, nearby residents and commuters. Thank you in advance for your patience while we complete these important safety and mobility improvements.  

If you have questions or concerns, call our Portage Bay Project 24-hour hotline at 206-319-4520 or email us at sr520bridge@wsdot.wa.gov.   


Register for our Portage Bay Project online construction meeting on May 15

Join us for our next monthly construction meeting held virtually at noon on Thursday, May 15. At the meeting, you'll hear an overview of construction progress and learn about upcoming construction activities. Register below to attend and feel free to submit questions in advance to sr520bridge@wsdot.wa.gov.

Missed the last Portage Bay Project monthly meeting? You can view the presentation online (PDF 6MB) or watch the meeting recording on YouTube.


Construction Corner roundup

  • May 2: Single lane on Boyer Avenue East between East Roanoke Street and Everett Avenue East closed during daytime
  • May 3: Montlake Bridge and SR 520 ramps to Montlake Boulevard closed to vehicle traffic during daytime
  • May 12: Bill Dawson Trail closed until 2030

Check out the SR 520 Construction Corner map for the most up-to-date information on closures and construction impacts


How to reach us and stay informed about SR 520 construction:

  • Call or text our project-specific construction hotlines with pressing questions or concerns related to the:
    • Montlake Project: 206-775-8885
    • SR 520/I-5 Connection Project: 206-316-2559 
    • Portage Bay Project: 206-319-4520
  • Call the SR 520 Program information line (206-200-9484, M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) with general SR 520 inquiries.
  • Email SR 520 staff with your questions about the project or construction activities.
  • Visit the SR 520 Construction Corner for the most up-to-date information on closures and construction impacts.
  • Visit the SR 520 Program website to find general information about the project.
  • Email Regina Glenn, WSDOT Megaprograms Diversity and Inclusion Manager, for more information about contracting opportunities.
  • Follow us on Twitter @wsdot_520 to get key news and updates about the SR 520 program.
  • View current Montlake Project construction photos, taken continuously day and night, by mounted construction cameras
  • Share the ROTW listserv with your friends and neighbors

If you have difficulty understanding English, you may request language assistance services free of charge by calling (360) 705-7090 or emailing TitleVI@WSDOT.WA.GOV.

Español - Spanish servicios de traducción Aviso a personas con dominio limitado del idioma inglés: Si usted tiene alguna dificultad en entender el idioma inglés, puede, sin costo alguno, solicitar asistencia lingüística con respecto a esta información llamando al (360) 705-7090, o envíe un mensaje de correo electrónico a: TitleVI@WSDOT.WA.GOV.

中文 - Chinese 翻译服务 如果您难以理解英文,则请致电:(360) 705-7090,或给我们发送电子邮件: TitleVI@WSDOT.WA.GOV,请求获取免费语言援助服务。

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