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At issue:
The 2.2 mile double-decker viaduct has allowed millions of drivers to reach their destinations through the north-south corridor that runs along downtown's waterfront. Originally built in the 1950's, the roadway was designed to carry 65,000 vehicles per day. Today, about 110,000 cars travel the viaduct and Alaskan Way daily. The 2001 6.8 Nisqually Earthquake confirmed what many transportation leaders had feared: the viaduct was in need of repair and could pose a safety threat. The earthquake left several large cracks in the viaduct. It was also determined that the sea wall, which helps support the viaduct, would also need to be replaced due to age, deterioration, seismic vulnerability and risk to public safety.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct is just a portion of State Route 99 that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is beginning to improve. WSDOT has teamed up with the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) for the highway reconstruction and the city of Seattle has joined in to help on the portion of the Alaskan Way Viaduct which runs along the waterfront. Together, the three agencies studied nearly 80 replacement options. Out of those options, two emerged as favored front runners: an elevated structure rebuild or a cut and cover tunnel.
Several City leaders, including the Mayor, favored the cut and cover tunnel and viewed the option as the opportunity to reclaim Seattle's waterfront. State and city transportation officials also preferred the tunnel option. But not all embraced the plan. Many prominent state lawmakers claimed the project was too costly and that funding for the proposed six-lane double-decker cut and cover tunnel wasn't completely clear.
In mid-December, Governor Christine Gregoire stated the controversial decision was at a stalemate and called for an advisory ballot from Seattle residents. She wanted to see a ballot that consisted of both the tunnel and rebuild option, complete with their cost estimates.
Responding to concerns over costs, City leaders created a smaller, four-lane Surface-Tunnel proposal - essentially scraping the six-lane double-decker design. The new proposal consists of tunnel lanes side-by-side and shoulder lanes that would turn into extra lanes during peak travel times. State leaders claimed it was a last minute attempt for the City to keep the tunnel option alive and that there wasn't adequate time to study the option. But that didn't deter Seattle Council Members who voted January 19 to put the new Surface-Tunnel Alternative and Elevated Structure Alternative on a special March 13 ballot.
However that wasn't enough to convince Seattle voters they needed a tunnel to replace the Viaduct.
For the nearly 100,000 ballots counted Tuesday, March 13, Seattle voters overwhelmingly rejected both the proposed viaduct rebuild and the tunnel options.
During a press conference, Mayor Greg Nickels said he was content with the results because the viaduct rebuild had been rejected. City Council President Nick Licata, who supported a new viaduct, said the results showed a base of support for the rebuild. Additionally, Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck considered the ballot outcome to be an opportunity to give serious consideration to the surface/transit alternative.
Price tag:
According to WSDOT officials, $2.4 billion in funding is allocated for the project. Money comes from the city of Seattle, Puget Sound Regional Council and the 2005 Gas Tax as well as other state and federal funds. However, concerns have been raised that if the surface option is selected, up to $2 billion in state funds and $220 million in federal aid could be at risk. State officials say those amounts are tied into a contingency that the replacement options carry as many vehicles as the current viaduct does. The surface option may not be able to handle as much traffic and hasn't been reviewed like the other two options.
Project time line:
- 2007-2008: Repair Viaduct at certain sections
- 2007: Begin new plan to replace Viaduct
- 2008-2010: Upgrade Viaduct from Lenora Street to Battery Street Tunnel
Upgrade Battery Street Tunnel
- 2009: Unveil new Viaduct plan
- 2009-2012: Remove Viaduct between Holgate Street and King Street. Build new SR 99 between Holgate Street and South Royal Brougham Way
- Begin dismantling Viaduct
- Ongoing: Enhance transit and make other improvements: improve arterials, bus lanes, signals, etc.
- Ongoing: Make and implement plans for construction impacts: minimize construction disruption to businesses, residents and traveling public
Source: WSDOT, "Moving Forward: Proposed Early Safety and Mobility Projects"
The latest news:
Gregoire sets viaduct tear down deadline
The Alaskan Way Viaduct is coming down in 2012 with or without Seattle's consent, according to Governor Chris Gregoire. She stated the 2.2 mile elevated portion must be torn down by then and that it's too dangerous to remain in place.
The controversial roadway has kept state lawmakers busy as they've argued over the best solution to replace the ageing Viaduct. In 2007, Seattle voters declined both replacement options on the ballot: a new elevated structure or a tunnel replacement.
King County Executive Ron Sims praised Gregoire's ambition. Sims prefers a surface alternative. Seattle city leaders say her deadline is a tough one if all parties aren't on the same page.
Previous updates
Viaduct traffic could increase with I-5 construction
Viaduct sinks another quarter-of-an-inch
Replacement plan given the green light
Governor announces $900 million viaduct update
Cost estimates included in March Viaduct ballot
Licata proposes Alaskan Way Viaduct vote date
Viaduct decision falls to Seattle voters
Democrats denounce tunnel option
Viaduct decision heads to Olympia
Expert Review Panel releases Viaduct report
What's next for this issue?
- Summer 2007 - SDOT works with WSDOT and King County to produce the Urban Mobility Plan
- Fall 2007 - Reinforce columns at Columbia Street and Yessler Way
Who's Involved?
- City Of Seattle
The City owns the seawall and the Alaskan Way surface street. The City is responsible for most of the utilities in the corridor.
- Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
WSDOT is responsible for the Viaduct and State Route 99.
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
FHWA provides roadway design guidance and environmental oversight.
Additional Resources
- Allied Arts
In the spirit of the "Save the Pike Place Market" campaign, Allied Arts is working to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with Seattle's next great civic space.
- People's Waterfront Coalition
Organization who want to prevent the construction of a new highway on the shore of Elliott Bay in Downtown Seattle.
Share your thoughts
What are your thoughts about the Viaduct and the City's involvement? Share your thoughts using the links below and of course check back soon with the Seattle Channel to read more about the status of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Use the links below to share your thoughts with:
If you have any questions or comments on this article, or if you have an In-Depth story idea, contact Megan Erb at megan.erb@seattle.gov.
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