Chopp, Sims, & Nickels: sanity appears on the waterfront?

[maxsolomon]

Go Ron Sims, make it happen!

OLYMPIA — House Speaker Frank Chopp — a key advocate for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct with an elevated highway — says he's open to the idea of tearing down the structure and improving surface streets and transit instead.

Chopp, D-Seattle, on Wednesday said it could be a second choice if the elevated highway doesn't fly.

His statement marks an unusual moment in which the speaker and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels appear to agree on something concerning the viaduct. The city considers the surface street and transit option its second choice.

The two sides have been battling for months. The city wants to replace the viaduct with a $3.4 billion tunnel. Chopp has argued for a $2.8 billion elevated highway. The fight has created a political impasse.

Chopp's comments came after King County Executive Ron Sims said Wednesday that he opposes both a tunnel and another elevated highway. Sims proposes improving surface streets and beefing up public transit. Details weren't available Wednesday.


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003562086_viaduct08.html