City Departments
Seattle City Council
4/26/2006 1:59:00 PM
Phyllis Shulman (206) 684-8805
VIADUCT: COUNCIL EXAMINES SURFACE OPTION
A study to analyze a surface, transit intensive option for Alaskan Way
SEATTLE –The City Council announced today it’s taking steps to examine the possibility of a workable surface and transit intensive option for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
“We’re on the verge of committing billions of public dollars and enduring years of disruption,” says Councilmember Richard Conlin. “This is not by any means an endorsement of any option. Regardless of politics, we simply must provide the taxpayers with a convincing argument on whether a surface and transit intensive option is viable or not.”
The Council will hire a consultant to initially identify and develop a scope of work to analyze whether the capacity of the street grid and a reconfiguration with the deployment of additional transit services could sustain mobility given the loss of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This initial scoping study is expected to be complete in 5-6 weeks and will cost $15,000. Once it is received, the Council will determine whether it will fund a more intensive analysis.
“The future of Seattle hinges on the transportation decisions we make today. Let’s be certain to fully examine the benefits of each option and how they affect the character of the waterfront,” says Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck.
“One of my highest priorities is to promote and accelerate transit,” says Transportation Committee Chair, Councilmember Jan Drago. “We need to be aggressive in planning for our future transit needs and make sure we’re spending public money in the most cost-effective way.”
This initial scoping study would rely on existing studies and previous analyses such as the Seattle Transit Plan, The Green Line Corridor Study, SDOT and WSDOT’s planning work and Puget Sound Regional Council data. It will also look to what other cities have already learned.
“The decision on the Alaskan Way Viaduct will affect a generation,” states Councilmember Richard Conlin. “We don’t want to be second guessing or wondering ‘what if.’ When we decide, we need to do so absolutely confident of our approach.”
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