The governor and mayor have spoken: they will do it for the children. The Alaska Way Viaduct, an ugly and dangerous elevated roadway along Seattle's waterfront, will be replaced with a deep bore tunnel. Here we go again.
It is a perfect example of why economies go bad, by spending money you do not have for things you cannot afford and expecting others to pay for. The governor actually said she is doing it for the children. This phrase, often used by politicians, must always be translated as "doing this TO your children."
Plus it is completely unnecessary. The Alaska Way Viaduct is an exact parallel to the Embarcadero Freeway in San Francisco in size, traffic, volume, purpose, etc. Then an earthquake in 1989 settled the matter, destroying the structure. Debate raged on how to replace it. Mayor Art Agnos smartly tore it down and beautified the waterfront. Impact on the economy? Nothing, except some very happy property owners like the YWCA who regained views they lost 30 years earlier. People adjust, the economy adjusts.
It's too late now, but the thing to do would be just to tear the Alaska Way Viaduct down and let the economy sort itself out. Or maybe it is not too late. California has abandoned a few thousand large projects for lack of money. Maybe Seattle will get lucky.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Seattle Alaska Way Viaduct
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