The final report of the SR 520 Legislative Workgroup is now online and in the hands of Gov. Chris Gregoire and state legislators. The report outlines the west side design and financing recommendations for the SR 520 corridor.

The workgroup met from July to December 2009. Members weighed input from neighborhoods, environmental regulators, transit agencies, cities, advocates and independent cost experts before making their final recommendations.

In December, workgroup members voted to recommend Option A+ for the interchange design of the Montlake and University District area. This option is most similar to today’s interchange, with the addition of a second drawbridge over the Montlake Cut.

Financing options also were recommended for the corridor program, which has a $4.65 billion budget set by the legislature. Strategies include tolling on SR 520, operating high-occupancy toll lanes on Interstate 90 as soon as practicable, pursuing federal and state funding, and, if necessary, collecting general tolls on I-90. The report can be viewed at www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/sr520legislativeworkgroup/default.htm