Date:  Friday, January 28, 2011

Contact: Amy Grotefendt, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-295-9846 (cell)
Kristy Van Ness, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-805-2881 (Seattle), 206-300-4312 (cell)

SEATTLE – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) transmitted to the Seattle City Council today three agreements that will continue the 10-year partnership to replace the seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct. The technical agreements describe how the City of Seattle will review and approve the state’s plans related to the proposed bored tunnel under downtown Seattle.

“We want to thank the Seattle City Council for working with us during the past year on these agreements,” said Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. “These agreements provide critical protections for both the state and city so we can replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct and reduce the risk of schedule delays and cost overruns.”

The agreements, if approved, explain how WSDOT will work with the Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light during design and construction of the bored tunnel. Highlights from the agreements include:

• The city is indemnified from damages that may occur on the project.
• The city is responsible for city-owned utility relocations and the city will reimburse the state for utility relocation performed by the state, as required by state law.
• WSDOT will work collaboratively with the city to identify strategies to minimize diversion from the tunnel due to tolling.
• WSDOT will fund the following improvements on the central waterfront: demolition of the viaduct, construction of a new Alaskan Way, and construction of a new connection to Elliott and Western avenues.

WSDOT signed a design-build contract with Seattle Tunnel Partners on Jan. 6 for the proposed bored tunnel. In February, WSDOT will give notice to proceed to Seattle Tunnel Partners to continue preliminary design work. Approval of the agreements by the City Council will eliminate confusion and potential conflicts about the city’s role for reviewing and approving plans by the design-build team to relocate and construct city-owned utilities and infrastructure.

The Federal Highway Administration, WSDOT and the city of Seattle have identified a two-level, 1.7-mile tunnel from S. King Street to Thomas Street as the preferred alternative for the central section of the vulnerable double-deck viaduct. Review of the tunnel and other alternatives for replacing the viaduct began in 2001. The final environmental impact statement for the project will be published this summer.

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement program, visit http://www.alaskanwayviaduct.org/.

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