Alaskan Way Viaduct
and Seawall

Following the Nisqually earthquake of February 2001, the state and city realized that the Alaskan Way Viaduct (built in 1953) is at risk from another major seismic event and would have to be replaced. The city's seawall, which supports the Viaduct, Alaskan Way surface street and many utilities, also needs renovation.

The Port of Seattle depends on the Viaduct and seawall for freight mobility, port facility access, and regional mobility. While our container trucks don’t travel on the Viaduct, it still carries over 100,000 vehicles daily that otherwise would be using the Duwamish area streets and conflicting with freight and rail lines. Many people use the Viaduct to access the Pier 66 Central Waterfront complex and Cruise Terminal, Pier 69, Terminal 91, Sea-Tac Airport and the port marinas. Also, the Viaduct is key to the regional highway system, carrying 25% of the north-south traffic through the downtown area.

In January 2009, Governor Christine Gregoire, Mayor Greg Nickels, and County Executive Ron Sims announced a Bored Tunnel Hybrid as the preferred alternative to carry forward for further study. The state, city, county and port have outlined a funding framework to pursue. Bored tunnel construction is estimated for 2011-15 with Viaduct demolition and waterfront reconstruction to follow.

The Port is working with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), City of Seattle and King County to ensure that the project meets the Port’s needs and can be funded. The Port Commission believes that the replacement of the Viaduct should achieve the best balance among retaining and creating jobs, sustaining regional economic vitality, and benefiting the environment.

Memorandum of Agreement Signed by Port and Governor

Governor Opens New S. Royal Brougham Way Bridge

For more Information

Visit the Washington State Department of Transportation site