Tunnel Picked for Seattle Viaduct Replacement

Officials in Washington have come to a consensus on plans to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle's damaged inner-city arterial. They've decided on a $4 billion tunnel, but the plans still need approval from the state legislature.

1 minute read

January 14, 2009, 2:00 PM PST

By Nate Berg

"Whether they can get the Legislature -- specifically, House Speaker Frank Chopp -- to endorse the most expensive option for replacing the vital Seattle arterial remains to be seen."

"The last time the viaduct battle came to a head, Chopp, D-Seattle, vigorously opposed anything but an above-ground replacement. He is credited with killing the tunnel plan the last time around."

"Since that time, he has invested energy designing and promoting an above-the-ground replacement that would have included a throughway and a shopping center -- all capped with a waterfront park."

"On Monday, Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis confirmed that a consensus had been reached to build a deep-bore tunnel, with an estimated cost of more than $4 billion."

FULL STORY: Viaduct choice: It's a tunnel

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 in The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Infrastructure Transportation Washington Seattle Alaskan Way Viaduct Freeway Replacement Inner-City Highways Tunnels View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.