SR 520 Bridge Replacement Project –
Permitting, ESA, and Mitigation Technical Leads

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans to replace the aging State Route 520 bridges which are vulnerable to earthquakes and windstorms. The technical positions filled by Cherry Creek Environmental principals cover the bridge replacement program's three major projects. Shane Cherry serves as the Mitigation Technical Lead for the project; Chris Cziesla is the Technical Lead for Endangered Species Act consultation; Scott White serves as the Permitting Lead for the program; and Chris Berger provides technical expertise and support spanning these three disciplines. Cherry Creek’s leadership in implementing the environmental strategy is enabling the client to meet a very aggressive schedule for environmental project delivery on one of the largest and most complex projects in Washington.

Specific anticipated results of this project include the following: (1) successful completion of the environmental process, including securing the permits and other regulatory approvals that are necessary to begin construction; (2) receipt of a favorable Biological Opinion documenting the results of the Endangered Species Act consultation; and (3) negotiation and implementation of sound mitigation plans that not only meet ecological objectives but also efficiently utilize public funds to satisfy mitigation requirements.

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The State Route 520 floating bridge spans Lake Washington between Seattle and East Side communities. The environmental process evaluates project effects on many diverse resources including neighborhoods, parks, wetlands, and fish habitats. Project effects on wetlands and fish habitat require a suite of environmental permits, Endangered Species Act consultation, and mitigation for unavoidable effects to these resources.

Video simulation of bridge failure due to windstorms
Video simulation of bridge failure due to earthquakes