Seattle's Most Buoyant Bridge: You Won't Sink (Unless You're Terrible with Maps)
Ah, Seattle. Coffee, grunge music, and... a bridge that floats? Yup, you read that right. Nestled amongst the evergreens and misty mornings is a marvel of modern engineering that defies the laws of, well, not physics exactly, but maybe common sense. So, let's dive into the delightful weirdness that is Seattle's floating bridge.
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| What is The Floating Bridge In Seattle |
Actually, There's More Than One!
That's right, Seattle doesn't just do things by halves (except maybe when it comes to sunshine). There are actually two floating bridges gracing the waters of Lake Washington. The first, and the undisputed king of buoyancy, is the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, also known as the Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge (try saying that five times fast). This behemoth, clocking in at a whopping 7,710 feet, is the longest floating bridge in the world.
So, How Does it Work? Don't They Teach Swimming in Engineering School?
Hold your horses, there's no need for inflatable armbands. The Evergreen Point Bridge isn't some rickety raft held together with hope and duct tape. It's a pontoon bridge, which means it floats on a series of giant concrete boxes. These boxes are basically the unsung heroes of the bridge world, silently bobbing along, holding up all those cars (and yes, even bicycles!)
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Fun Fact: The concrete boxes are filled with air, which is lighter than water, hence the whole "floating" thing. Mind. Blown.
But Why a Floating Bridge? Did Someone Forget About Regular Bridges?
Actually, there's a good reason Seattle went with the buoyant route. The bottom of Lake Washington is a bit like a grumpy grandpa - uneven and likes to stay put. Building a traditional bridge with deep foundations would have been a logistical nightmare (and probably very expensive). The floating bridge, on the other hand, just chills on top of the water, happy as a clam.
Is it Safe? Because a Bridge Made Out of Floaties Sounds Sketchy...
Fear not, trepidatious travelers! The Evergreen Point Bridge is built to withstand even the grumpiest of weather. It's constantly monitored and gets regular check-ups (just like you should with your dentist... unless your dentist is a bridge, in which case, that's a whole other story).
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So, next time you're in Seattle, take a ride on the world's longest floating bridge. It's an experience that's sure to make a splash!
## Frequently Asked Floating Bridge Facts
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How to get to the floating bridge?
Easy! Just follow the signs for Washington State Route 520 or Interstate 90, depending on which bridge you want to experience.
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How long does it take to cross the bridge?
Depends on traffic, but on a good day, you can expect a scenic 15-minute cruise across the lake.
How much does it cost to cross the bridge?
As of today, there's no toll for regular vehicles. But that doesn't mean you can't toss a few coins overboard for good luck (just kidding... please don't litter).
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How deep is the water under the bridge?
Lake Washington reaches depths of about 200 feet in some areas. Plenty of space for our buoyant bridge friend!
How many fish live under the bridge?
That's a question for the fishes, my friend. But with all that traffic rumbling overhead, we're guessing they've developed some impressive poker faces.
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