Hebert Research’s Role in the Alaskan Way Viaduct Reconstruction

SEATTLE - Aug. 21, 2015 - PRLog -- Debate regarding the Alaskan Way Viaduct in downtown Seattle lasted for over a decade. Opinions varied whether it was better to reconstruct the existing structure, or to build a new deep-bore tunnel. Both sides agreed however, that some change needed to be made, as it was a huge risk in its then current state.

As a response to the Viaduct debate, Referendum 1 was put on the ballot, with the goal of gauging the public’s opinion on the best course of action to take. The Referendum passed with a healthy margin in favor.

To assist the reconstruction process, Hebert Research worked alongside the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) by providing an economic impact analysis on the upcoming project. Hebert Research provided two separate economic impact models; a regional impact model based on comparable projects in other metro areas, and a local or “core impact” model based on input from a random statistical survey of local businesses.

After extensive research and analysis, Hebert Research concluded that the reconstruction of the Viaduct would create a total negative impact of $3.4 billion annually for full closure, and $2.03 billion annually for partial closure.

Thanks in part to Hebert Research’s work, the Seattle legislation was finally able to come to an agreement on a decade long discussion, and the city approved the construction of the deep-bore tunnel. Construction estimates are for the building process to take seven to ten years, and the current goal is completion and reopened to traffic by spring 2018.