Expert panel praises plan to replace Alaskan Way viaduct
Feb 21, 2012, 1:13 PM | Updated: 2:19 pm
Dye calls the expert panel's report "a very favorable review" and says the tunnel is on schedule to open at the end of 2015. (WSDOT Photo/File)
(WSDOT Photo/File)
The Alaskan Way Viaduct tunnel project is on budget and on schedule, according to a report from an expert panel authorized by the state Legislature.
Panel chairwoman, Dr. Patricia Galloway, expressed confidence in the state plan calling the management team “very impressive.”
The panel does recommend the state nail down final funding agreements for the $3.1 billion tunnel.
“Two-point-four billion is in hand, $300 million from the Port of Seattle (is a commitment),” said David Dye, deputy state transportation secretary. A plan to authorize tolling to pay for part of the tunnel is working its way through the state Legislature.
The panel also calls on the state to finish a binding agreement with the city of Seattle for re-development of the Alaskan Way surface street, which requires state funding.
Dye calls the expert panel’s report “a very favorable review” and says the tunnel is on schedule to open at the end of 2015.
