Transportation officials were grilled tonight by Magnolia residents who are not happy with the plan to replace the viaduct with a deep bored tunnel.
Speakers from the city and county were frequently interrupted as they attempted to explain how Magnolia residents will need to change travel routes once the tunnel is built. The closet access to to the 1.7 mile long tunnel that will carry around eighty five thousand cars per day will be at Royal Brougham.
Officials told the crowd that they can not add a spur to the tunnel at Western and Elliott due to increased costs. They also said it would hurt the operational design of the tunnel. Elliott Avenue will now flow to the new Alaskan Way which will be expanded to a four lane boulevard along the central waterfront.
Officials told the crowd that they are sensitive the concerns of Magnolia residents and they want to show that using the new surface street options will work.
People at the meeting said they were agitated because of the access issues for Magnolia. They also expressed concerns about getting to the airport and working around traffic from Mariner’s and Seahawks games.
King County Councilperson Larry Phillips, a Magnolia resident, attended the meeting.
More coverage of the viaduct issue here.






