The United States opens the world's longest floating bridge - the New 520 Highway Bridge

Edited by: Guangzhou Deli Yacht Terminal Engineering Co., Ltd

Edited on: April 22, 2016

        The opening ceremony of the Lake Washington Bridge in the United States was held on April 2nd local time. This is undoubtedly good news for drivers who have experienced years of traffic congestion and road closures. On Tuesday, officials from the Washington State Department of Transportation announced that the east-west lanes of the bridge are tentatively scheduled to open on April 11th, and the east-west lanes are tentatively scheduled to open on April 25th. The new bridge is 7710 feet long and will become the longest floating bridge in the world, 132 feet longer than the old bridge built in 1963. The new bridge is supported by 77 floating boats, more than twice the number of floating boats on the old bridge. It is part of Interstate 520 in Washington state and can accommodate up to 115000 vehicles per day. On the day of the opening ceremony, representatives from Guinness World Records who attended the event publicly showcased the certificate that the Washington Lake Bridge is the world's longest floating bridge.

        Before the opening of the road, two special celebrations were held on April 2nd and 3rd: a brisk walking and running ceremony will be held on April 2nd on the new bridge, and a cycling ceremony will be held on April 3rd on the new bridge.

        The new bridge provides a total of 3 lanes in both directions, including 2 regular lanes and 1 bus and carpool exclusive lane. The newly established bus and carpool lanes are not available on the old bridge. The toll standards for the new bridge will be the same as those for the old bridge.

        The newly built SR-520 highway bridge can not only be used for car traffic, but also has a 14 foot wide pedestrian and bicycle lane added on each side of the bridge. Five semi-circular observation decks protruding outward have been added to the new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists to rest and enjoy the scenery. In the future, a railway may be laid on the new bridge for the passage of light rail trains.

        How should the old bridge be disposed of after the new bridge is opened? Officials from the State Department of Transportation said that the department has reached an agreement with relevant contractors to handle the floating boats supporting the old bridge. It is reported that the 33 floating boats used to support the old bridge will float out of Lake Washington through the ship lock and then be sold or recycled.