Two years wasted deciding on deep bore tunnel, Pflug says

January 13, 2009

OLYMPIA… Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, issued this statement in response to today’s announcement that an agreement has finally been reached to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep bore tunnel, an idea she introduced in 2007 in her Vision 21 infrastructure revitalization plan.  

“When I first proposed replacing the viaduct with a deep bore tunnel, I argued it would solve one huge problem: The economic disruption caused by tearing down the viaduct in order to rebuild or replace it.  I guess the recent snowstorm that gridlocked Seattle provided the dose of reality leaders needed. They got the message that Seattle has no tolerance for a non-functioning transportation system – even for a few days, never mind years.  

“I hope our state, county and city leaders are finally willing to enter a 12-Step program for transportation planning. At least they have:

1. Admitted they have a problem, and

2. Sought help in considering a more realistic option for the viaduct: the deep bore tunnel.

“The next critical steps would be:

3. Evaluating the route – Building under Western Ave. would put the tunnel through unstable slopes and fill. It must go higher up the hill through solid ground.

4. Making sure we have enough capacity – My original tunnel would have delivered six lanes for $1.1 billion. Now the governor proposes four lanes for $2.8 billion, the state’s original all-in maximum for viaduct replacement.  We need to know for sure just what this money covers and if the plan will offer enough capacity.

5. Making every dollar count – Until we know the details on the tunnel design, route and engineering, it’s impossible to forecast the total cost. When the governor offers $2.8 billion up front – without knowing the details – it sounds like a political agreement rather than a solid and cost-effective construction estimate.

“I’m hopeful, but these are important questions. The viaduct is not Washington’s only transportation need. With the real prospect of federal transportation dollars, we must plan carefully to meet the capacity needs of all Washington communities. We can ill-afford unconstrained spending on one project, when it will leave so many other necessary projects undone. 

Sen. Pflug represents the 5th Legislative District, which includes North Bend, Maple Valley, Issaquah, Sammamish, Fall City,
Snoqualmie and parts of rural King County.

For more information contact Pat Albright
at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov^.