To some, Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct (elevated portion of Highway 99) is an eye sore, a disaster waiting to happen, an endearing piece of Seattle's history. Either way, it slices downtown from it's waterfront limiting access and views. The 2001 6.8 magnitude Nisqually Earthquake damaged the viaduct which has been undergoing continuous repairs to keep it up and functional. And, experts predict the viaduct may collapse during the next major earthquake.
Several proposals are under consideration from burying Highway 99 underground and creating a street level promenade, rebuilding another viaduct, creating a grade-level thoroughfare or just retrofitting it. Costs range from $800 million to $4 billion.
The city's preference, and the most appealing & expensive, is tunneling Highway 99. This would open up the waterfront skyline and attach the waterfront to downtown. But it is controversial because the area is landfill that's supported by a retaining sea wall. The proposal calls for rebuilding the sea wall, thus adding to the cost.
But it has an uphill battle. Seattlites voted down the 14-mile monorail after the $1.7 billion price tag ballooned to $11 billion. One wonders, if the city is pitching a $4 billion proposal today, what exactly is the true cost? Though, if implemented, many condos and lofts along the viaduct will see increased values and may even spur new housing developments.
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