Date:
Friday, September 14, 2007
Contact:
Emily Fishkin, Alaskan Way Viaduct Program, 206-267-6821, 206-437-5061 (cell)
Kristy Laing, Alaskan Way Viaduct Program, 206-382-6361, 206-300-4312 (cell)
SEATTLE--The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) want to hear from the public about what environmental issues should be considered when replacing the south end of the Alaskan Way Viaduct starting in 2009. The meetings are an opportunity for the public to learn about the proposed design for replacing the viaduct near the stadiums from South Holgate to South King streets. The project will remove about one mile, or 40 percent, of the vulnerable structure. Project engineers will be on-hand to answer questions.
Meetings will be held on:
- Monday, September 24, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Starbucks Support Center, Third Floor (2401 Utah Avenue South)
- Wednesday, September 26, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Madison Middle School, Cafeteria (3429 45th Avenue SW)
These meetings are the first in a series of meetings to prepare an environmental assessment. The next meeting will be held when the environmental assessment is released. Public comments can also be submitted by mail or e-mail on or before October 12.
The south end of the viaduct is being replaced because it is vulnerable to earthquakes. The foundations are sitting in unstable soil that could liquefy in an earthquake. The new roadway will be safe in an earthquake, safer for drivers, and provide new access to the stadium area. The road is designed to fit with a tunnel, an elevated structure, or a surface replacement option for the central waterfront.
“We’re pleased to be getting started to make drivers safer on the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This project will be a significant step towards replacing the deteriorating viaduct—we will be removing about one mile of the 2.2-mile-long structure,” said WSDOT Program Director Ron Paananen.
WSDOT, the City of Seattle, and FHWA are moving forward to replace or repair more than half of the Alaskan Way Viaduct by 2012. Construction on the first project starts in October and will stabilize column foundations between Columbia Street and Yesler Way. Learn more about the projects at www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/viaduct. Please e-mail questions or comments to viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov, or call the hotline at: 1-888-AWV-LINE.
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