520 Bridge Sentinel Lights: What The Colors Mean In September

REDMOND, WA — The State Route 520 floating bridge's trademark sentinel towers usually glow with a vibrant teal after the sun sets. But holidays, significant events and community causes often bring about a change in scenery.

This month, the lights are scheduled to change four times, including a stretch of red, white and blue lighting over Labor Day weekend.

Here's what each color signifies in September:

Dates: Tuesday, Sept. 1, through Thursday, Sept. 3
Color: Purple
Cause: Chiari Malformation Awareness Month - DURAble Brains Foundation
Description: The SR 520 floating bridge will shine purple this September in honor of Chiari Malformation Awarenss Month, in partnership with the DURAble Brains Foundation. Chiari Malformation is a serious, uncurable neurological disorder that affects many families around the world.

Dates: Friday, Sept. 4, through Tuesday, Sept. 8
Color: Red, white and blue
Cause: Labor Day 2020
Description: The SR 520 sentinel lights will be turned red, white and blue this weekend to celebrate Labor Day 2020.

Dates: Monday, Sept. 14, through Wednesday, Sept. 16
Color: Red
Cause: Light it Red for Lymphoma - Lymphoma Research Foundation
Description: September is National Blood Cancer Awareness Month and SR 520 floating bridge is partnering with the Lymphoma Research Foundation to Light it Red for Lymphoma. The sentinels will shine red to raise awareness and provide hope to the lymphoma community.

Dates: Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Thursday, Oct. 1
Color: Purple
Cause: International Recovery Day - International Recovery Day, Inc.
Description: The SR 520 sentinels will shine purple in recognition of International Recovery Day. The goal of this day is to spread awareness of the multiple pathways to recovery from substance use disorder as well as celebrate individuals in recovery and their friends and family.

Anyone interested in requesting a change in lighting for an event or cause can fill out a form and e-mail it to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Applications must be received at least two weeks before the date requested. The state will not approve requests that promote private, religious or political events and campaigns. More details on the policy are listed on the form.