Montlake Boulevard sign structures update and July 17-20 weekend closure; Portage Bay construction progress

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:


Montlake Boulevard sign structures update

We're sharing more details about this summer's sign structure changes on Montlake Boulevard. As a reminder, this work is based on community feedback and recommendations developed in 2023 to remove and replace the large sign bridge on Montlake Boulevard with smaller signs and structures.

Installation requires two full weekend closures of Montlake Boulevard in July and August. Below are details about what to expect for the July 17-20 weekend closure. We'll share more details about the August closure as it gets closer.

July 17-20 closure details:

Date/time: 10 p.m. Friday, July 17, to 6 a.m. Monday, July 20

What's closed: 

  • Montlake Boulevard between East Hamlin Street and East Louisa Street
  • Montlake Boulevard on-ramps to eastbound and westbound SR 520
  • A 300-foot section of East Roanoke Street west of Montlake Boulevard 
  • Lake Washington Boulevard between Montlake Boulevard and 24th Avenue East 

The westbound SR 520 off-ramp to northbound Montlake Boulevard will remain open. Crews will maintain a path for people walking, biking and rolling to cross SR 520 on Montlake Boulevard, with a limited detour south of SR 520. See map below.

July 17-20 closure graphic

During the July 17-20 closure, crews will:

  • Dig, form and pour concrete foundations for three new mast-arm structures on Montlake Boulevard.
  • Remove the foundations of the third, uninstalled sign bridge that was planned to be installed on Montlake Boulevard south of East Hamlin Street.
  • Replace roadway panels on Montlake Boulevard and East Roanoke Street.

This work requires a temporary noise variance (TNV) from the city of Seattle. Nearby neighbors will be offered a hotel. Nearby neighbors can expect to hear construction noise and potentially feel vibration from concrete sawing, excavation, digging, hauling, vacuum truck operations and concrete pours.

Visit our new webpage for full closure details, information about the work, and background on the community engagement process, including recommendations and frequently asked questions.


Casing installation progress in Portage Bay

Crews continue to use vibratory hammers to install large-diameter steel casings in Portage Bay. The map below shows our progress as of Thursday, July 2.

Casing install map July 2

Since our last email update, crews finished installing the remaining casing at bridge pier 6!

Please visit our Construction Corner website for the most up-to-date schedule on construction activities and impacts. We expect to complete this phase of work in early July.

Hearing noise or experiencing vibration? Call our 24/7 hotline.  

We monitor noise and vibration in real-time around the project area. If you feel like you’re experiencing new or excessive noise or vibration from this work, please call the 24-hour hotline as soon as possible at 206-319-4520 so we can investigate in real time. You can also email us at sr520bridge@wsdot.wa.gov (monitored Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). 


The next phase of lid construction continues near Roanoke Park

This week, crews continued installing drilled shafts near East Roanoke Street. These drilled shafts will eventually support the future Roanoke lid.

As of this week, we’ve installed four out of 18 drilled shafts in this area.

Construction overview:

  • Crews will continue to use an oscillator to rotate a temporary steel casing into the ground while removing soil.
  • Once crews complete excavation, cranes will lift and place the rebar cage into the shaft.
  • Crews will then pump concrete into the drilled shaft. After the concrete is in place, they will remove the temporary casing using the oscillator.

Nearby neighbors will experience noise and vibration during construction. This phase of lid construction is expected to continue through the summer.

Roanaoke lid photo July 1.png

Crews prepare to install a drilled shaft casing that will support the foundation of the future Roanoke lid.

What neighbors should expect:

  • Typical work hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays (excluding most holidays), and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
  • Increased noise and vibration during this work from trucks and equipment.
  • Flaggers on Delmar Drive East to help guide construction vehicles in and out of the work zone.
  • Daytime parking restrictions (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) on the west side of 11th Avenue East between Delmar Drive East and East Miller Street, and on the east side of Boyer Avenue East between East Roanoke Street and Everett Avenue East.

Reminder: Vibration FAQ available

We’ve received a lot of feedback over the past few months about vibration around the project area. We know that neighbors have questions and understandable concerns. We’ve developed a comprehensive FAQ about construction-related vibration based on questions we’ve heard from neighbors.

The FAQ includes details about:

  • Protection and mitigation practices WSDOT has in place to protect infrastructure, homes and the community during and after construction.
  • Vibration monitoring around the project area.
  • Resources available to neighbors who believe their homes have been damaged by construction vibration.

We hope this helps address some of the community’s questions and concerns. 

View the Vibration FAQ document here


Next online construction meeting is July 23

Join us for our next monthly construction meeting held virtually at noon on Thursday, July 23. At the meeting, you'll hear an overview of construction progress and learn about upcoming construction activities, including local street closures. Register below to attend and email sr520bridge@wsdot.wa.gov with any questions.

Missed the last Portage Bay Project monthly meeting? You can view the presentation online (PDF, 7 MB) or watch the meeting recording on YouTube.


Construction Corner roundup

  • Updated weekly: Vibratory casing installation schedule in Portage Bay
  • July 17-20: Montlake Boulevard closed between East Hamlin Street and East Louisa Street around-the-clock 

Check our Construction Corner map for the most up-to-date information on SR 520 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:
    • Portage Bay Project: 206-319-4520 (24-hour hotline)
    • Montlake Project: 206-200-9484, M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • 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/X and BlueSky ‪to get key news and updates about the SR 520 program.
  • Share the ROTW listserv with your friends and neighbors.
  • View construction photos taken 'round the clock by our four mounted construction cameras.

Note: We combined our two SR 520 Program email lists into one. This newsletter will focus on Portage Bay Project construction and closures while also sharing other SR 520 updates. You can manage your preferences or unsubscribe anytime.


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.

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