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Following the Nisqually earthquake of February 2001, the state and city realized that the Alaskan Way Viaduct (Viaduct) is at risk from another major seismic event and would have to be replaced (built in 1953). The city's seawall, which supports the Viaduct, Alaskan Way surface street and many utility lines, is also in need of renovation.
The Port 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 which would otherwise be using the Duwamish area streets and conflicting with freight and rail lines. Many people headed to port facilities do use the Viaduct as a west side artery; these include the Pier 66 Central Waterfront complex and Cruise Terminal, Pier 69, Terminal 91 and the Sea-Tac Airport and 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 Gregoire, Mayor Nickels, and County Executive 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, in environmental review and further design. Bored tunnel construction is estimated for 2011-15 with Viaduct demolition and waterfront reconstruction to follow.
Watch the Bored Tunnel and waterfront boulevard video simulations (scroll below first paragraph)
Download The Bored Tunnel: A Solution for Growth brochure here.
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 of jobs, sustaining regional economic vitality, and benefiting the environment.
Download the Freight Keeps the Region Moving brochure here.