Streets May Hold Solution To Seattle's Freeway Problem

"Gregoire said she has begun to think broadly about mobility and about Seattle's future as an 'international city' - marked by population growth, a leading seaport and increased tourism - that needs a hospitable waterfront."

"'If this is to be an international city, we'll have to look at the entire system. Once you do that, the surface option becomes an open question,' she said in a telephone interview Tuesday."

"The viaduct, built in 1953, is undergoing emergency strengthening of four support columns; DOT is preparing to rebuild the south segment from Qwest Field to the West Seattle Bridge. But the layout between downtown and Elliott Bay remains in dispute. State funds are available for a $2.8 billion elevated highway, but many Seattle residents and leaders consider it a monstrosity and instead support expanded buses, rail, ridesharing, ferries and street changes."

"Earlier this year, Gregoire was skeptical of surface travel as an alternative."