Seattle Viaduct-Tunnel Debate Continues

Discussion over whether to replace the aging viaduct with a tunnel, and the potential impact on the city’s waterfront, will only intensify as a November advisory election approaches.

1 minute read

March 23, 2006, 7:00 AM PST

By David Gest


"Mayor Greg Nickels's campaign to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a still-unfunded, $4 billion-plus cut-and-cover tunnel began in earnest at a council committee meeting this Monday, March 13, when Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis eviscerated the state's 'aerial rebuild' viaduct alternative -- essentially a larger, blockier new viaductâ€"calling it monstrosity that would cast a giant shadow on the waterfront and eliminate drivers' views. His arguments echoed the mayor's own criticism of the rebuild option, which Nickels has taken to calling 'the Big Ugly.' In November, the city will hold an advisory election on whether the state should rebuild the viaduct or replace it with a tunnel."

Thursday, March 16, 2006 in The Seattle Stranger

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