Seattle · Lake Washington

The bridges that float.

A photograph with a story, and a very unusual way to cross a lake.

Steven Arnold’s historical view east towards Mercer Island, with the Hadley bridge on the left and Murrow bridge on the right — Historical contributor photograph: Steven Arnold, looking east towards Mercer Island.

Look closely at the crossing

These are the parallel Interstate 90 bridges linking Seattle and Mercer Island across Lake Washington. Floating pontoons support the long spans, an engineering solution that makes the ordinary act of crossing the lake rather extraordinary.

The photographer’s viewpoint

This picture was taken by Steven Arnold, who very kindly sent a copy. It shows the Homer M Hadley Floating Bridge (on the left) and the Lacey V Murrow Floating Bridge (on the right).

The original account places Steven at East Portal Park above the Mount Baker Ridge tunnels, looking east with Mercer Island behind the bridges. That description and credit remain part of the photograph’s story.

For a visit today, use public park or trail access and check temporary restrictions. The historical photograph does not show every change to the crossing since it was taken. Do not stop on the freeway for a photograph.

Read the original ATA article

Preserved source text. Historical prices, statistics, recommendations and procedures may have changed; use the current planning resources above.

USA

Seattle, Washington State

Floating Bridges

This picture was taken by Steven Arnold, who very kindly sent a copy. It shows the Homer M Hadley Floating Bridge (on the left) and the Lacey V Murrow Floating Bridge (on the right). Steven took the picture from the East Portal Park located above the East Portal of the tunnels that go under Mount Baker Ridge (on the Seattle side). This view is looking east with Mercer Island in the background.