Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Options Multiply
Today, the State DOT released ten new options they’re considering for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
10.
Diez.
I can’t wait to see this ballot:
- Bored tunnel
- Cut-and-cover tunnel
- Depressed lidded roadway
- Alaskan Way boulevard
- Alaskan Way/Western Avenue
- Alaskan Way surface expressway
- Aerial roadway
- Viaduct retrofit
- Elliott Bay Bridge
- Elevated roadway
- Integrated roadway built into development
Despite voters turning down the tunnel and replacement options last year, they’re both being reconsidered in a variety of forms. Fortunately, the DOT will be paring down the list to a ‘handful’ by December 1st so the Governor can review it and make her recommendation. We should probably be happy that the DOT is exploring options other than Billion Dollar Tunnel and Ugly Gigantic Viaduct, but it’s still a little disconcerting that after our vote of last year several different tunnel and replacement options are being researched.
But, hey, who am I to talk? If it were up to me, I’d go with the Bored Tunnel or the Depressed Lidded Roadway. I mean, who knew our infrastructure could be so emotionally complex?
[via Seattle Times]
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Elliott Bay bridge baby, yeah!
I hope they’re really considering that one. It’s been my favorite since I first heard of the concept. Frees up the waterfront, doesn’t cost three arms and five legs, AND would be far easier to build than a tunnel.
I had to double check my calendar to make sure this article wasn’t an April Fool’s joke. 10 alternatives!?
The Elliott Bay Bridge is intriguing but I think there will be a lot of resistance to something that would change the skyline so dramatically. Those complaining about the Viaduct blocking views from downtown surely wouldn’t go for something bigger and taller, would they?