This bridge features a system of major floating pontoon bridges that connect Seattle to its eastern suburbs like Bellevue and Mercer Island, because the lake's deep water and soft clay bottom make traditional pillar supports impossible. It utilizes pontoons to stay afloat and adjust to varying water levels, ensuring that the bridge remains stable despite changes in the water’s surface. Instead of resisting natural forces like rising or falling water levels, the bridge is designed to float in harmony with the water, maintaining alignment with the environment.