Mayor Nickels’ statement on viaduct agreement

January 13, 2009

Many of you will remember that going back a few years, I was an early supporter of the idea of a tunnel.  And there are those who will say we've come full-circle.  But we have followed a process that enabled us to reach a remarkable consensus.  We heard many voices, reviewed much data, and came to the decision that this package represents the best way forward.

For the last 22 months, we have worked very hard--Governor Gregoire, County Executive Sims and I, and our teams, to break the logjam.  There is a time for compromise.  And that time has come.

My focus was to reconnect Seattle to the waters of Elliott Bay--a connection severed over half a century ago by the existing double-deck freeway.  I sought to accomplish this goal by taking down the viaduct and offering residents more transit and other options to driving alone.  I had hoped that we could find an answer that did not require building a new traffic corridor.  But as you heard the Governor say, we are not persuaded that is possible.

So in the spirit of compromise that is required when people of different perspectives work together in good faith, I endorse the Governor’s proposal for a deep bore tunnel.  The tunnel, along with surface street improvements and significant transit investments, gives us a project that enjoys broad public support.

I want to particularly thank the Alaskan Way Viaduct Stakeholder Committee--the business, labor, neighborhood and environmental leaders who gathered together and worked so hard to evaluate all the options and ideas that came forward, and were willing to ask the tough questions. This was truly a community effort.

The package announced today is a victory for the people of Seattle, King County and the state of Washington.  Once and for all, we will tear down the ugly and dangerous viaduct that divides our city.  The proposal allows for the fast movement of freight and commerce – so vital to trade in a Pacific Rim economy such as ours.  And, as our region grows, we will provide more transit to allow our residents better ways and more choices for getting around.

As part of the agreement announced today, I pledge Seattle’s commitment to repair the seawall, to relocate the necessary utilities, and to make local transit and street improvements—including a First Avenue streetcar from Pioneer Square to Queen Anne Hill.  We will widen the Spokane Street Viaduct and solve the “Mercer Mess”—vital corridors to and from I-5.  We have been assured that the Governor and County Executive will partner with us, as we seek federal and state help in holding up our part of this bargain.

I’d like us for a moment to take a step back and reflect on what we are accomplishing here today. There are pivotal moments that define a city, that create history. With consensus and popular will, we have written the future of Seattle and region.  Consider the future: This July, light rail will begin running to downtown Seattle.  As a region, we decided on November 4th to build out a rail network that will connect us to Lynnwood, Redmond, Federal Way and Bellevue. This will have profound impact on how we travel, where we live, and what kind of planet we leave to our children.

Today, we reclaim our waterfront, create more transit options for people coming downtown, and ensure that we will remain economically competitive.

This is what great cities do.  We come together and move forward. We are not afraid of progress, but embrace it.  We debate, we plan, and now, together, we are ready to make history.