The world will get a better idea of what it will cost to replace Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct when a group of stakeholders meets Thursday afternoon. (Nov. 20) Members of a team of engineers from the state, Seattle and King County will present price estimates for eight possible replacements at the session, set for 4 p.m. to 7:30p.m. at Plymouth Church, 1217 – 6th Ave., Seattle.

This will be one of two key sets of decision factors to be considered by the 30-member committee and by Gov. Christine Gregoire, Mayor Greg Nickels and County Executive Ron Sims when they decide late this year how to replace the central part of the viaduct, between King Street and the Battery Street Tunnel.

Replacement options now being discussed include two four-lane elevated highways, two tunnels, three options shifting traffic to surface streets and one highwaya in a partially-lidded trench.
Two years ago the leading replacement candidates included another six-lane elevated highway similar to but larger than the current viaduct and estimated at the time to cost $2.8 billion. The other leading candidate then, favored by some Seattle officials, was a four-lane tunnel along the central waterfront, costing an estimated $3.4 billion. Seattle voters rejected both those options in a March, 2007, advisory election.

Gregoire already has pledged to tear down the 1950s-vintage viaduct by 2012 even though the replacement hasn't been picked yet. Replacement of the viaduct between King Street and Battery Street could start within two years. Before that segment is built construction is planned on a new interchange near the stadiums at an estimated cost of $545 million; officials have said the new intersection could connect to any replacement north of it, including one that disberses traffic onto surface streets.

Traffic studies of the new options have suggested that a new elevated highway would provide the quickest travel times through the city but costs haven't yet been announced. The three agencies have rejected the idea of replacing the viaduct with a cross-Elliotte Bay bridge or reinforcing the current viaduct to make it more earthquake-resistant.

Relocation of electrical wiring away from the current viaduct has begun in anticipation of a replacement. Whatever options is picked is likely to be discussed by the state legislature, which may have to appropriate more money to pay for it.

Visual renderings of the eight options, showing various locations, are to be posted online.

A complete copy of the traffic-analysis presentation is online .