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  • E.S.

At a press conference at the University of Washington boat launch this afternoon, with the Albert D. Rossellini (520) Bridge in the background, Gov. Christine Gregoire announced her "preferred alternative" for replacing the rickety structure.

She spoke of the urgency in doing something now, before an earthquake or high winds force the issue, and emphasized that her plan is light rail friendly. (She did not have an explanation for why Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn—who is holding a dueling press conference right about now—wasn't there with her, but she said her plan accommodates his desire to see rail across the new span, provided anyone can ever find the money for it. "520 is ready for light rail," Gregoire said, twice. "Light rail is not ready for 520.")

Here's what's making the new plan ready for light rail: a 45-foot space between two sections of the bridge as it approaches the west side of Lake Washington. In the future, a ramp for light rail trains coming to and from the University District station could slide right into that spot, Gregoire said. (Click to enlarge.)

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  • Washington State Department of Transportation

Other details: it's still a six-lane bridge, but "direct-access ramps" to the UW have been added for transit and high occupancy vehicles; the grassy lid over the Montlake portion has been expanded; and the ramps from the Arboretum have been removed.

More images, and maybe even some video, coming soon. Meanwhile, this man—Phil Rezek, 45, of Montlake—was not pleased at the "increased capacity" being added to his neighborhood, and stood at the edge of the press conference holding a placard to register his unhappiness.

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  • E.S.

UPDATE: Here are some more images (all .pdf) of Gregoire's plan: the new Montlake interchange, the new Portage Bay configuration, and some pretty sketches.