Originally Posted by
5stringJeff
You need some type of major roadway, so surface streets isn't an option.
I agree with you re: the retrofit. That leaves the tunnel and the new viaduct options.
The tunnel provides 4 lanes at a cost of $2.5B (IIRC), whereas the viaduct is 6 lanes at about $1.5B. Obviously, from that perspective, the new viaduct is better.
As far as being a fence, I don't really see that as a big issue. I've been to downtown Seattle many times, and there are lots more things wrong with it than a viaduct near the waterfront. Many of the piers, including the ferry station, are on the waterfront where the viaduct is near, and it doesn't hamper people from getting from one side to the other.
I say the new viaduct option is the best. It's the most lanes of traffic through the city at the least cost while maintaining safety. The tunnel is an absolute waste of money.