Date:  Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Contact:
KaDeena Lenz, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-3836, 206-795-1876 (cell)
Travis Phelps, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-6004, 206-462-0554 (cell)

SEATTLE – State and local officials, labor leaders, local businesses and members of the public gathered today to break ground on construction to replace the southern mile of the seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct.

“Today is an important milestone in our efforts to replace the unsafe Alaskan Way Viaduct. We are moving forward and staying within schedule and on budget. The bid for this project came in 25% below estimated costs, which is good news for taxpayers,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “As we replace the aging viaduct, we are addressing a major public safety concern, creating thousand of family-wage construction jobs and ensuring that a major transportation corridor remains open for business.”

Elected leaders thanked U.S. Senator Patty Murray for her critical role in making the day possible through her work in Congress to secure $101 million in federal funding for this portion of the program.

“We must never forget that replacing the viaduct is not just about getting people to work, home or the ballgame and freight to and from the Port of Seattle. It’s about getting people and goods there safely,” said Senator Murray. “I was proud to fight for the funding to help this project move forward. And I applaud my colleagues for working so hard by my side to make this investment in the viaduct that will protect our residents and lay the foundation for future economic growth.”

Elected leaders from the City of Seattle, Port of Seattle, and King County attended the event.

“The City Council has been actively working with our regional partners to make this corridor safer and more efficient,” stated City of Seattle Councilmember and Transportation committee chair Tom Rasmussen. “Today we are taking the next step in opening the waterfront up to the people, allowing our city and waterfront businesses to grow in a way that Seattle and the region have come to depend on.”

“The cargo that moves to and from port facilities creates tens of thousands of jobs – good, family-wage jobs that keep the region’s economy moving even during a stubborn recession,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Bill Bryant. “That’s why the port is investing in this project. An efficient transportation system is the backbone of Washington’s economy, and can’t afford to wait.”

“We have worked together for a long time, from the local to the state level, to make this day possible,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “In addition to creating valuable jobs, this project, in combination with the Spokane Street improvements, will greatly increase mobility and safety for our region.”

At today’s groundbreaking ceremony the speakers were flanked by workers representing the various trades that will build the new roadway.

“In these tough economic times, it’s important that we are doing everything possible to create jobs,” said Dave Freiboth, Executive Secretary of Martin Luther King County Labor Council. “By moving forward today, we are putting people to work and getting us one step closer to replacing the unsafe Alaskan Way Viaduct.”

In the SR 99 S. Holgate to S. King Viaduct Replacement Project crews will demolish the viaduct through the SODO neighborhood and replace it with a side-by-side roadway that will meet today’s standards for earthquake resistance, traffic flow and safety, and environmental protection.

“Moving forward with this piece of the viaduct replacement project will help us move people and goods quickly and safely, and provide 600 good jobs this summer – just when we need them most,” said Phil Bussey, President and CEO of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. “We applaud this significant milestone, and we look forward to the groundbreaking of the bored tunnel next year.”

WSDOT awarded the construction contract for the project to Skanska USA Civil, based in Riverside, California. Skanska submitted the low bid of $114,569,194.25. The bid was 25 percent under WSDOT’s $152,620,104.46 estimate. For more information, visit the project web page at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/HolgateToKing

Check out WSDOT’s new interactive Web tool to help you better understand the different stages of construction at http://www.alaskanwayviaduct.org/.

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