Statement from Council Chair Dow Constantine on the agreement for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct

January 12, 2009

Summary

Story

“The combination of a deep-bore tunnel and a surface boulevard is a very good compromise proposal to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

“This solution — combined with improvements to the Spokane Street Viaduct and the creation of a new stadium interchange for State Route 99 — will maintain access for West Seattle and South King County residents to and through downtown Seattle.

“The removal of the old viaduct will help reconnect downtown to our historic waterfront. And because the tunnel will not share the alignment of the old viaduct structure, we also have the opportunity to maintain traffic on the SR 99 corridor during construction.

“The challenge to Seattle and King County is to provide the other surface and transit improvements needed to make local transportation work. We now must consider how this work will be funded, how quickly it can be implemented, and how we will be able to sustain the needed transit service in the future.”