The state is trying to figure out just how much you'd be willing to pay to cross the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge without being deterred by the cost to change your route. According to a study released yesterday, most drivers would continue to use the bridge, even in the face of fees up to $6.85 per roundtrip. Apparently, the state believes if you have a job on the Eastside, adding nearly $40 to your weekly commute—plus the ever-increasing cost of gas—is no big deal financially. The proposed tolls would vary throughout the day based on traffic volume—from $2.15 during lighter times to a $3.80 one-way fee during peak hours. Tolls on 520 could begin as early as 2010. Similar tolls are also being discussed for I-90, Seattle's other floating bridge. The tolls would go to funding a new six-lane replacement bridge for 520. more ›

If you have to head east this weekend, your only options to get across Lake Washington are to take I-90 or the long drive north around the lake. (Technically you could also boat, paddle, or swim across we suppose.) State Route 520/The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge will be closed for the entirety of the weekend--from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday--for its annual inspection. The closure affects the span of SR520 from Montlake Boulevard to 92nd Avenue N.E. more ›