Seattle bore tunnel

[swatiraohnlu]

Seattle has been planning to replace its Alaska Way Viaduct since 2001, when an earthquake in the region shook the above ground waterfront highway and created widespread concerns of it collapsing in the future. The question became how to replace the highly-used via duct. A deep-bore tunnel running along the waterfront and under downtown Seattle became one option over time, competing with alternatives such as a new viaduct, a "cut-and-cover" tunnel-like highway along the path of the old viaduct, and more modest options such as simply replacing the viaduct with a boulevard that would force capacity traffic onto the I-5 freeway that runs parallel to the viaduct on the East side of downtown Seattle. None of these options have gained majority support, and the cut-and-cover tunnel and new-viaduct options were both rejected in a 2007 referendum. Nevertheless, the city and Washington State government came to an agreement to move forward with the deep-bore tunnel in 2010. Opposition groups are seeking to put it to another referendum in 2011. And while many believe there is no chance of such a referendum succeeding, the debate on the merits of Seattle's deep-bore tunnel continued hotly.

 

[dimpy.handa]

The projects bill caps State funding for the tunnel at $2.4 billion, subject to reconsideration after an expert review panel updates the cost estimate by January 1, 2010. It also states that "no more than $400 million of [any] additional costs shall be financed with toll revenue. Any costs in excess of ($2.8 billion) shall be borne by property owners in the Seattle area who benefit from replacement of the existing viaduct with the deep-bore tunnel." The City has committed to raising $930 million for its share of an overall project that includes a new Elliott Bay sea wall, plus a new promenade and other surface improvements, and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels said the City might use a downtown property tax, along with other taxes, fees and grants, to cover those costs.