A poorly implemented project-delivery process that combined design-build and conventional design-bid-build created confusion that opened the door to faulty design work on the first four pontoons for Seattle's new Lake Washington floating bridge project, according to an internal analysis of the problems prepared for the Washington State Dept. of Transportation.
The errors could add millions in costs and extend the project deadline, state officials say, compromising anticipated savings from the use of design-build to speed the overall project completion. Replacing the bridge is a priority in the improvements being made to State Route 520, which connects Seattle to points east.