Important Progress for the 520 Bridge

We recently reached out to the people of the Puget Sound area to help advance a critical local and state issue: the timely replacement and expansion of the SR-520 bridge across Lake Washington. 

Many responded. I want to thank everyone who took the time to contact their elected officials and voice their support for the prompt completion of this critical project. Your efforts clearly helped legislators and local officials from both sides of the lake appreciate the need to forge a compromise that allows the project to move ahead on schedule.

I also want to thank our government and community leaders — Governor Gregoire, state legislators and many others – for their collaborative efforts to bring this important project closer to reality.  By passing legislation to authorize tolling and allow Eastside construction to begin, lawmakers have taken a key step to improve public safety and have kept on track a design that has been 13 years in the making. 

Important design details remain to be worked out to address the concerns of Seattle neighborhoods.  We’re glad the recent compromise will allow the project to move forward while ensuring those concerns are aired and resolved.

This is a vital infrastructure investment that will produce huge benefits for our region and our state.  Microsoft is committed to continuing our advocacy and collaborating with our many local partners to ensure timely and cost-effective completion of the 520 bridge replacement.  You can track our efforts athttp://520bridge.posterous.com, and you can get the latest progress reports on the project from theWashington State Department of Transportation.

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