Montlake Boulevard sign structure changes coming this summer

What’s a sign bridge? 

A sign bridge is an overhead structure that spans across a roadway, creating a “bridge” over the street (see image below). Signs are then mounted on and supported by the sign bridge.  

Why is WSDOT replacing the sign bridges with new sign structures (referred to as mast arms)?  

WSDOT is installing new sign structures because of a community process undertaken in 2023. In early fall 2023, WSDOT installed two large sign bridges on the reconstructed SR 520/Montlake Boulevard interchange. These installations drew strong feedback from Montlake residents, who were concerned about the size and appearance of the sign bridges. In response, WSDOT paused the installation of a third sign bridge and, after consulting with local legislators, city officials, and WSDOT leadership, launched a community process to address the concerns. 

This process included feedback through an online survey – generating over 450 responses – two public meetings, and the formation of a community workgroup to develop signage recommendations. The workgroup members met four times over three months. They developed recommendations for alternative sign structures supporting smaller signs that were shared with the community and local lawmakers in January 2024. More details about this process and the final recommendations can be found in the SR 520 Montlake Project Signage: Community Engagement Report. 

Following the 2024 legislative session, the SR 520 Program received direction from state legislators to move forward with implementing the Montlake signage recommendations. WSDOT will install the new sign structures in July and August 2026.  

Why did WSDOT originally design and install large sign structures? 

The original sign structures were designed to hold the weight of large, mounted directional signs. The redeveloped Montlake Boulevard is significantly wider and more complex, consisting of nine lanes with multiple turn lanes for both general traffic and transit. Ensuring drivers know where to go and what lanes to use requires clear and accessible signage.  

When developing such signage, WSDOT follows the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The MUTCD defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. It also includes standards for signage text size and spacing, as well as the size and color of symbols. 

WSDOT adopted MUTCD standards as state policy and aims to meet or exceed these standards when designing signage within state right of way. The original Montlake signs were designed based on the recommended MUTCD standards, with larger signs and letters to help drivers see and understand upcoming decision points well in advance. The existing sign bridges were needed to support these signs due to their large size and weight.   

Who was on the workgroup and how were people selected? 

WSDOT solicited workgroup volunteers in fall 2023. Workgroup members consisted of seven neighbors, as well as representatives from seven coordinating agencies and organizations. WSDOT and SDOT workgroup members provided technical expertise but did not participate in voting for the different sign options. Only neighborhood representatives and other agencies voted on signage recommendations. 

What were the workgroup’s final signage recommendations for each location? 

Location 1: For the structure located on Montlake Boulevard between East Roanoke Street and East North Street, the workgroup had the following recommendations:  

• Replace the existing sign bridge with a new, black-painted mast arm.   

• Install smaller signs supported by the new mast arm.   

• The mast arm should be installed as far north as technically feasible.  

• Understanding/agreement that the existing sign bridge be removed as soon as possible.   
• Add advance signs at 24th Avenue East supported by a new mast arm.   

Location 2: The sign structure located on Montlake Boulevard in the middle of the new Montlake lid will remain in place due to technical limitations and potential structural risks to the lid. Additionally, given the size and complexity of this interchange, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices requires the signs to be overhead instead of on the side of the road. ​However, the larger signs initially planned for this location were replaced with smaller signs per the workgroup’s recommendation.   

Location 3: For the sign structure planned for Montlake Boulevard, south of East Hamlin Street, the workgroup had the following recommendations:  

• Replace the planned sign bridge with a new, black-painted mast arm.   

• Install smaller signs supported by the new mast arm.  

• Add an advance I-5 sign on an existing luminaire pole between East Hamlin Street and East Shelby Street.  

Why are the signs on the current sign structures smaller?  

 Based on recommendations from the community workgroup, WSDOT installed smaller signs similar in size to city street signs. These signs, mounted on the existing sign bridges, are smaller and lighter than originally planned. While this change better reflects community preferences, it also make makes the signs more difficult to see and the decision points for drivers more difficult to understand from a distance. 

The signs on the sign bridge located south of SR 520 between East Roanoke Street and East North Street will be taken down when we remove the sign bridge. Some will be remounted onto a newer, smaller mast arm. The smaller signs on the sign bridge located on Montlake Boulevard by the lid will remain the same based on the community feedback.  

Why did it take two years to install the new sign structures?  

There were three main reasons why it took so long to install the new structures. First, by the time WSDOT received legislative direction to move forward with installing the new structures, construction on the Montlake Project was nearly complete. WSDOT therefore decided to add this scope of work to Skanska’s contract, the contractor for the Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid Project.

Second, WSDOT needed to design and finalize the new sign structures in coordination with the city of Seattle, which took about a year. Last, it took almost another year for Skanska to procure the materials due to ongoing supply chain issues and delays.   

Why is WSDOT doing this work over the weekend? 

This work will require more than 48 hours to complete. Doing this work during the weekend eliminates ongoing nighttime closures of Montlake Boulevard or closures during peak travel periods (Monday through Friday).

Is WSDOT performing any other work during the closures?  

WSDOT is taking advantage of the closures to remove and replace roadway panels on Montlake Boulevard and East Roanoke Street and repair area curbs and sidewalks. This is part of the remaining closeout work for the Montlake Project that did not initially meet the required standards.  

Why does WSDOT need to close Montlake Boulevard for two weekends to install the new sign structures?  

This work needs to be done in two phases to allow time for the new concrete foundations to cure. During the first weekend closure in July, crews will: 

• Dig, form and pour concrete foundations for three new mast arm structures. 

• Remove the foundations of the third, uninstalled sign bridge that was planned to be installed on Montlake Boulevard south of East Hamlin Street. 

• Replace roadway panels on Montlake Boulevard and East Roanoke Street.  

During the August closure, once the concrete is cured, crews will return to: 

• Remove the sign bridge on Montlake Boulevard between East Roanoke Street and East North Street and remove the foundation below grade.  

• Install the three new mast arms.  

• Add new signs onto the new mast arms and existing luminaire pole.  

What should neighbors expect? 

During the July closure weekend, nearby neighbors will hear noise and potentially feel vibration from concrete sawing, excavation, digging and hauling, use of vacuum trucks and concrete being poured.  

During the August closure weekend, nearby neighbors will hear construction noise from crews placing and bolting the new sign structures and signs into place, and noise from a crane and trucks removing and dismantling the existing sign bridge and foundation and restore the sidewalks.   

What will happen to the current sign structure once it’s removed?    

The contractor will take the sign bridge off its foundation, dismantle it and haul the parts off-site, where it will be recycled.  

How much will this cost? 

The estimated cost to remove the existing sign bridge and install the new three-mast arms and signs is approximately one million dollars.   

• Montlake Project signage: Community engagement report (PDF 2.4MB)
• Jan. 31 Community meeting summary (PDF 290KB)
• Jan. 31 Community meeting YouTube recording
• Jan. 31 Community meeting PowerPoint presentation slides (PDF 1.3MB)
• Jan. 24 Workgroup meeting #4 summary (PDF 2.8MB)
• Jan. 10 Workgroup meeting #3 summary (PDF 3.5MB)
• Dec. 13 Workgroup meeting #2 summary (PDF 7.8MB)
• Nov. 29 Workgroup meeting #1 summary (PDF 2.9KB)
• Oct. 26 Community meeting summary (PDF 666KB)
• Oct. 26 Community meeting PowerPoint presentation slides (PDF 4MB)
• Oct. 26 Community meeting YouTube recording