Many Magnolians and Queen Anners believe that replacing the existing Alaskan Way Viaduct with a new, larger viaduct is a cheaper solution. We beg to differ.
Of the two remaining options for viaduct replacement- a new elevated highway or a cut-and-cover tunnel-the tunnel is the most viable, long-term solution. Low-cost fix-up solutions and the no-build option don't pencil out. The former would be short-lived; the latter unequal to the projected traffic load.
Last month the city council emphatically selected the tunnel option and took action to legally oppose the elevated option. Gov. Christine Gregoire will announce her decision between a cut-and-cover tunnel and a new, larger viaduct at the end of this month.
For the broad coalition of civic, business, environmental and neighborhood leaders supporting the cut-and-cover tunnel, the fundamental issue is not just replacing the viaduct. It is really about what Seattle's urban environment will look like in the future, and what economic benefits the Puget Sound region will realize from this project in the long run.
We are committed to approaching every transportation decision with the objective of reducing green house gas emissions to avoid the potentially devastating economic and environmental impacts related to global warming.
Seattle has committed to reducing emissions that cause global warming and cleaning up Puget Sound waters. Both of these objectives are undermined by a new elevated highway. As a city, we are committed to absorbing our fair share of the major population increase the Puget Sound region will experience by 2030.
Many new Seattleites will live downtown. The open-space opportunities created by a cut-and-cover tunnel are essential amenities for thousands of current and future downtown and nearby neighborhood residents.
Furthermore, convenient, safe and reliable alternatives to driving are essential, including transit and biking and walking facilities. A tunnel will provide these choices; an elevated highway will not.
The tunnel gives us an opportunity to reclaim and reconnect with our waterfront. To tear down the existing viaduct, only to replace it with a higher, wider, uglier and noisier elevated structure, would permanently scar the face of one of the world's most beautiful cities. No world-class city anywhere has built an elevated highway for years; why should we place ourselves at a disadvantage?
During the 2006 legislative session, the governor and Legislature authorized creation of an Expert Review Panel (ERP) tasked with reviewing viaduct replacement project plans and financing and providing an assessment of their viability.
The ERP report, issued in September, indicated that the funding plan for the tunnel is fundamentally sound and achievable. The report is clear that the plan proposed for the tunnel-from cost to construction to traffic mitigation-is ready for implementation.
In addition, in an Oct. 31 follow-up letter to the governor, the ERP stated that, "We have reviewed WSDOT's new cost estimates, and we think they are sound." They added that "the Alaskan Way Viaduct's overall financial plan provides a reasonable framework for funding the core project for either the elevated or tunnel alternatives."
In terms of economic development, only the tunnel provides offsetting tax benefit to the citizens of Seattle and our state. A recent economic impact study found that, while there is a significant construction-cost differential between a tunnel and an elevated highway, a tunnel would create new economic activity along the waterfront and neighboring blocks. New tax revenue to will help offset that added cost.
For those who have concerns about the tunnel option, it is important to know that WSDOT has selected the tunnel as its preferred alternative, and is continuing to work on reducing costs and time for construction as well as mitigating impacts on traffic and businesses while the viaduct is closed during construction. And their work on resolving concerns of the important maritime activities and other industries in Ballard and Interbay is on-going.
We have the opportunity of a lifetime in replacing the viaduct with an affordable cut-and-cover tunnel. We owe it to future generations to do the right thing.
Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (Democrat) represents the 36th District, which includes Magnolia; Larry Phillips, a Magnolia resident, is chair of the King County Council; and John Coney is a member of the Waterfront for All Steering Committee.[[In-content Ad]]
