Alaskan Way Viaduct Discussions Continue

Discussions are continuing on how best to replace the crumbling Alaskan Way Viaduct. After the public vote in 2007 on the elevated and tunnel ideas, the state, City of Seattle and King County went back to the beginning. An advisory committee of local stakeholders was formed and all ideas were put back on the table.

The Seattle Times reports that there are ten options on the table (though really three categories). The categories are an elevated structure, a tunnel and a surface solution. Within these categories there are different options. For instance there is consideration of a deep bore tunnel and a partially lidded, depressed roadway as “tunnel” options.

The AIA/WA, along with AIA Seattle, continues to be engaged in the development of the various options. We are actively monitoring the advisory committee process and participating in stakeholder meetings.

The advisory committee is set to make a recommendation by the end of the summer (likely at its August meeting). Then the decision shifts to the Seattle Mayor, King County Executive and the Governor.