Alaskan Way Viaduct? Huh? What's that?

A few readers have asked for basic background on Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct. Try Wikipedia: Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Don Pittenger's post at 2blowhards also provides a nice overview.

Comments

[Bill McNeal]

Fantastic, David! Much appreciated. Consider me learn-ed.

I thought there was an interesting snippet in that entry: "They believed that the viaduct itself is an unattractive blight on the city that cuts off easy access to the waterfront. Other residents argued, however, that the views from the viaduct itself are worth preserving."

What's more important, the views for people who should be watching the road? Or the people moving at a slow rate of speed on the ground who'd like to see the waterfront?

I'm guessing there's no one pushing for preserving the view OF the viaduct? But it looks so pretty!!

[Holly B]

It's the passengers in multiple occupancy vehicles, not the single-occupancy drivers, who are most knowing and appreciative of the waterfront views from the viaduct. All things being equal, no drivers carrying a carload of kids or visiting family members would choose to show them the I-5 traffic trench instead of the viaduct vista.