The Problems

The main problems noted about the proposed bored tunnel are that it is the most expensive solution, it has no direct connections to downtown Seattle, and that it eliminates the easy access to northwest Seattle that exists with the current viaduct.

My Opinions

I have concerns about cost and access to downtown Seattle, along with some other factors, but my biggest objection is the access to northwest Seattle.

The current viaduct has ramps to Western Avenue (northbound) and Elliott Avenue (southbound), and these two streets lead to/from Elliott Ave. W. and 15th Ave. W, which provide connections to Magnolia, Interbay, Queen Anne, Ballard, Crown Hill, and other neighborhoods. The new tunnel will dive underground near Safeco Field, south of the downtown area, and emerge on Aurora Ave. N. north of Denny Way. Traffic to and from northwest Seattle will have to traverse congested and narrow streets between Elliott Ave. W. and the north portal of the tunnel a mile to the east.

I can agree to the tunnel project only if a fast connection is provided between Elliott Ave. W. and Aurora Ave. N. at a point just north of the tunnel portal. I feel a good solution would be a major upgrade to Mercer Street that would include a cut-and-cover tunnel for express traffic, lidded with a two-way Mercer Street for local traffic. This Mercer Street project would extend from Elliott Ave. W. to Fairview Ave. N., where the underground portion of Mercer St. would connect to I-5 ramps.