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McGinn wants tunnel-related downtown traffic study

Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct (part of Highway 99) is moving toward replacement by a deep-bore tunnel, something Mayor Mike McGinn and others oppose.
AP
Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct (part of Highway 99) is moving toward replacement by a deep-bore tunnel, something Mayor Mike McGinn and others oppose.

The planned  tunnel to replace Seattle’s Alaskan Way viaduct will include tolls, and that will push traffic onto nearby streets and I-5, according to Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn.  So, he’s hiring a consultant to look at ways to handle extra traffic.  

He says options include light rail to West Seattle, or renovations to I-5 through downtown. 

The Seattle Times reports McGinn spoke at an anti-tunnel forum last night.  He was joined by Councilman Mike O'Brien, and representatives from Sightline Institute and Move Smarter Seattle.  

It became a one-sided event when the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and pro-tunnel City Council members declined to participate."The debate about whether or not we're going to do a tunnel is over," explained Ron Judd, project outreach director.

State officials plan to pick a winning construction bid on the tunnel this month.

McGinn will be in West Seattle this evening for a community Q&A, at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, according to the West Seattle Blog. The topic of the tunnel is expected to be among the topics he'll discuss.