Date:
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Contact:
Barbara Gilliland, Expert Review Panel Administrator (425) 223-221
Joy Carpine, Communications Manager, WSDOT (206) 491-6974
SEATTLE – An Expert Review Panel has completed its evaluation of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement and SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Projects. Over the last two months the panel has conducted briefings with WSDOT, heard from the public and met with local leaders and stakeholders.
Chair Jane Garvey will present the panel’s findings and, along with other panel members, be available to answer questions this afternoon, Thursday, August 31:
Puget Sound Regional Council Board Room
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle
4:30 p.m.
This will be the only time panel members will be available until September 5.
The eight member panel was appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire and the House and Senate Transportation Committee chairs. They were asked to review whether the current plans to replace the two highways are achievable. These two critical highway structures are both facing the end of their useful life and do not meet current seismic safety standards.
Expert Review Panel
Jane Garvey was selected to chair the expert review panel. Ms. Garvey served as the first ever five-term administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, as the acting administrator (previously deputy administrator) of the Federal Highway Administration, the director of Boston's Logan International Airport and commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works.
Also serving on the panel: Lee Baker, P.E., HDR Engineering; Rodney Brown, J.D., Cascadia Law Group; William Edgerton, Jacobs Associates; Don Forbes, P.E., HNTB; Kenneth Kruckemeyer, AIA, ASCE, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Dave McCracken, P.E., self-employed; and Lyn Wylder, P.E., David Evans and Associates.
WASHINGTON HOUSE BILL NO. 2871 ESTABLISHED THE EXPERT REVIEW PANEL
The Legislature directed the formation of an expert review panel to determine whether the finance and implementation plans are feasible for the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and SR 520 Bridge. The panel began work the end of June. The findings are due to the Governor, Legislature and the Office of Financial Management on September 1, 2006.
For more information about the panel, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Viaduct/ExpertReviewPanel.
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