Date:  Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Contact:
Kristy Van Ness, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-382-6361, 206-300-4312 (cell)

SEATTLE – WSDOT invites the public to a corridor hearing and series of open houses to learn more about and comment on the Alaskan Way Viaduct central waterfront replacement. One alternative being evaluated – a proposed bored tunnel – would change the alignment of SR 99 in downtown Seattle. We are seeking input on how such a change would affect current users of this highway.

Last year the state, King County, City of Seattle and Port of Seattle agreed to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a bored tunnel. The plan includes a new waterfront roadway and public open spaces, transit investments, a new central waterfront seawall, and other city street improvements. The 2009 Legislature directed WSDOT to move forward with the proposed bored tunnel and has committed $2.4 billion to the project. The agency is focused on delivering the tunnel on an aggressive schedule, given the vulnerability of the existing earthquake-damaged structure.

The corridor hearing will take place in conjunction with an open house in Pioneer Square. It will consist of a presentation from senior program staff and an opportunity for the public to provide written comments or oral comments to a court reporter.

Corridor hearing and open house in Pioneer Square:
5 – 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Silver Cloud Inn – Stadium
Avenue One Ballroom
1046 First Avenue S.
Seattle, WA 98134

Two additional open houses will take place in West Seattle and Ballard. The open houses will allow attendees to ask questions of program staff and to review the latest design details for the proposed bored tunnel.

Open house in West Seattle:
6 – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Madison Middle School
Commons
3429 45th Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98116

Open house in Ballard:
6 – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Ballard High School
Commons
1418 NW 65th Street
Seattle, WA 98117

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement program, please visit http://www.alaskanwayviaduct.org/.

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