Alaskan Way Viaduct: Transit & Streets: Goals

This opportunity demands that we find the most cost-effective solution for Seattle’s mobility that moves us toward future goals and offers the broadest long-term benefits.

Objectives:

• What is the most cost-effective set of tools to provide mobility for communities that currently use the viaduct?
• Given rising fuel prices and the high cost of living in car-dependent cities, future Seattleites will look for viable alternatives to long commutes and lifestyles that require driving for every trip. What infrastructure investment can best provide these alternatives?
• Given our future goals, what is the best use of publicly-owned downtown shore land? How can this land use and transportation decision move us toward that future?
• How can we use this opportunity to move toward our sustainability goals and Kyoto commitment? What investment now can increase the viability of transit, biking and walking over driving in the future?
• How can we make things at least not worse than they are now? In addition to the CO² from the autos there is oil and gas that drips onto the roadway and when it rains, runs into the bay. You'll never see a clam opening season for a beach along this roadway.
• How can the city increase it's tax base to fund other useful things like school, parks, sports and the arts. By removing the viaduct the land becomes more valuable and thus instant wealth for the city. There is a cost associated with the new buildings but this view property will likely generate more revenue than it cost to service it.