The political stalemate over how to replace Seattle’s viaduct freeway increases the chances of a comprehensive package of transit and street improvements because there is huge opposition to a new viaduct and the state apparently won’t agree to a tunnel.
This is a very long-term issue, which is why the state’s insistence on replacing existing car capacity along the waterfront is so odd. The question ought to be how to move people and freight around the city and region — not vehicles.
It’s also fascinating that Gov. Chris Gregoire is willing to alienate much of Seattle’s electorate by pushing for a new, more obstructive elevated freeway along the waterfront. She’s trying to salvage momentum in the current legislative session and must assume there will be no challenge from the left to her reelection in 2008.
Comments
2 responses to “Stalemate helps Seattle waterfront’s chances”
I like that you have put some of your own opinion in this post. Keep it coming.
I think we should spend the extra money and build the tunel. A tunel will create a public space that could become a great place to live without a car if they planned the growth correctly.
Sure, a tunnel would be great. But the bill is entirely on us in Seattle and Washington. Now that the state is refusing a tunnel, the only option is surface. We could spend a couple of billion dollars less than a new viaduct and STILL add bus rapid transit and a bunch of other fixes.