Seattle’s massive highway tunneling project delays while solutions are sought for the mechanical error that brought the project’s massive drilling machine, Bertha, to a halt. Some are starting to examine life after Bertha.
Ben Schiendelman sees solutions for the Bertha mess, and they don't involve fixing Bertha. In fact, the writer never agreed that the Washington State Department of Transportation's tunnel project was the best way to meet the capacity currently carried by the Alaskan Way Viaduct: "That’s just how cost-ineffective this tunnel really is – most of this capacity can be met with an order of magnitude less money. Sure, the trips in cars aren’t as fast, but the trips on transit are much faster..."
If the state pulled the plug on the tunnel project, there would be about $800 million leftover from the project. For $150 million, Schiendelman claims the state could accomplish three things that would meet the required 60,000 car-trip capacity of the viaduct: 1) Reconnecting the street grid in South Lake Union, 2) the Center City Connector, and 3) RapidRide bus priority projects. Schiendelman gets the 60,000 number from data recently released by the Seattle Department of Transportation.
FULL STORY: What Could $800 Million Do?
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The Bertha tunnel boring machine was once stuck under the city of Seattle for more than a year. Now it has reached its goal, four years after it began its journey.
Bertha on the Move Again in Seattle
Finally, a breakthrough we've all been waiting for: Bertha is on the move again in Seattle and will soon be ready for repairs. The tunnel Bertha was built to drill will have to wait, however.
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Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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