Council News Release

Councilmember Jan Drago
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Sally Clark
Councilmember David Della
Councilmember Jean Godden

COUNCILMEMBERS: VIADUCT GRIDLOCK BROKEN
Councilmembers applaud Governor’s plan to begin construction this summer and build consensus for the future

SEATTLE- Councilmembers applauded Governor Christine Gregoire’s plan to break the gridlock on the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. After yesterday’s Seattle vote on replacement options for the viaduct, elected officials, including Council Transportation Chair Jan Drago, Councilmembers Sally Clark, Richard Conlin, David Della, and Jean Godden, supported an agreement to immediately begin $915 million’s worth of work on safety and mobility through the corridor. These first steps include building a new State Route 99 and interchange in the stadium area from Holgate Street to South Royal Brougham Way; essential safety work in the Battery Street Tunnel; temporary stabilization of the viaduct’s footings and columns in the section of the viaduct parallel to Pioneer Square; stabilization of the steel portions of the viaduct to withstand earthquakes from Lenora Street to Battery Street; and the enhancement of transit and other improvement to minimize traffic congestion and other impacts on downtown Seattle and waterfront businesses.

Councilmember Jan Drago said, “State and local officials have come together to pursue our common interests: public safety and insuring mobility during construction.” Councilmember Jean Godden said, “We are moving ahead before we lose momentum, mobility, and money for this vital replacement project.” Councilmember Sally Clark said, “Today elected officials have shown that by working together we can get this project started. That same collegiality will carry through the end of the project.” Councilmember David Della said, “We are now moving forward together to insure the safety of the tens of thousands of people who use the viaduct everyday.”

The elected officials also announced today that they would be building consensus on the one mile of replacement along the Central Waterfront that does not yet have a final replacement design. Councilmember Richard Conlin said, “It is vital that local and state leaders build on this opportunity to move from confrontation to collaboration.” The Council, with the Mayor concurring, unanimously approved Resolution 30959 on January 19 initiated by Councilmember Conlin and co-sponsored by Council President Licata and Councilmember Drago that recommended beginning construction on the northern and southern ends of the viaduct while building consensus on the middle.

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City Council