Seattle’s massive highway tunneling project delays while solutions are sought for the mechanical error that brought the project’s massive drilling machine, Bertha, to a halt. Some are starting to examine life after Bertha.
Ben Schiendelman sees solutions for the Bertha mess, and they don't involve fixing Bertha. In fact, the writer never agreed that the Washington State Department of Transportation's tunnel project was the best way to meet the capacity currently carried by the Alaskan Way Viaduct: "That’s just how cost-ineffective this tunnel really is – most of this capacity can be met with an order of magnitude less money. Sure, the trips in cars aren’t as fast, but the trips on transit are much faster..."
If the state pulled the plug on the tunnel project, there would be about $800 million leftover from the project. For $150 million, Schiendelman claims the state could accomplish three things that would meet the required 60,000 car-trip capacity of the viaduct: 1) Reconnecting the street grid in South Lake Union, 2) the Center City Connector, and 3) RapidRide bus priority projects. Schiendelman gets the 60,000 number from data recently released by the Seattle Department of Transportation.
FULL STORY: What Could $800 Million Do?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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