No More Alaskan Way Viaduct
It seems the days of the Alaskan Way Viaduct are coming to an end. Well, not really quite yet, but in a few years. Well, not really in a few years, more like 12 years.
The Seattle P-I is reporting that the city finally decided on an option to replace the damaged viaduct and sea wall along the Seattle Waterfront. The city finally sided with the state and federal governments to say the best replacement is the most expensive option, a six-lane tunnel. But don't count on it soon, construction isn't even set to start until 2009. Lets hope another major earthquake (on average every 5 years) doesn't strike until 2017. Odds are though, that another earthquake will happen and could close the viaduct for good. I can't imagine the traffic impact that would have on I-5, 1st Ave, and the rest of SoDo.
The cost of this project is supposed to be $3.4 billion to $4.1 billion. Legislators say the state might contribute $2.5 billion.
Timeline of the project... notice it is going to take 3 years just to see if it is an environmentally safe option.
2006: Issue final Environmental Impact Statement.
2007: Obtain environmental approvals. Utility relocation begins.
2008: First phase design complete. Continued utility relocation.
2009: Begin construction.
2016: Project complete.
All in all though, I am excited to see some progress here. The Viaduct is ugly anyway. Some of the pictures on the P-I page look really nice.
The Seattle P-I is reporting that the city finally decided on an option to replace the damaged viaduct and sea wall along the Seattle Waterfront. The city finally sided with the state and federal governments to say the best replacement is the most expensive option, a six-lane tunnel. But don't count on it soon, construction isn't even set to start until 2009. Lets hope another major earthquake (on average every 5 years) doesn't strike until 2017. Odds are though, that another earthquake will happen and could close the viaduct for good. I can't imagine the traffic impact that would have on I-5, 1st Ave, and the rest of SoDo.
The cost of this project is supposed to be $3.4 billion to $4.1 billion. Legislators say the state might contribute $2.5 billion.
Timeline of the project... notice it is going to take 3 years just to see if it is an environmentally safe option.
2006: Issue final Environmental Impact Statement.
2007: Obtain environmental approvals. Utility relocation begins.
2008: First phase design complete. Continued utility relocation.
2009: Begin construction.
2016: Project complete.
All in all though, I am excited to see some progress here. The Viaduct is ugly anyway. Some of the pictures on the P-I page look really nice.
1 Comments:
And then I won't have to fear driving on the viaduct and there being an earthquake! Though, I don't know how much I'd enjoy being in a tunnel when there's a earthquake. Boo! I still lose!
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