To the editor:

Upon watching the sensational video collapse of the viaduct it is time to revisit the tunnel option proposed by our state elected officials. This video was done in poor taste and should never be aired now or in the future. It does not show what would take place if it were a tunnel and not the viaduct. During a 7.0 earthquake a tunnel would also collapse and a tsunami would flood the entire tunnel and would be far more devastating than to be rescued above ground instead of 200 feet below ground level. Our elected officials claimed that they did not want the video shown at this time, however, it would be shown when it is to their advantage.

It is my demand to our elected officials that the viaduct should be completely closed to all traffic until a suitable retrofit is accomplished to bring the viaduct to a safe condition. The viaduct should be shut down from Spokane St. entrance through the City, Battery St tunnel and North to the north end of Aurora Bridge, which is suspect of a collapse during a 7.0 earthquake.

The state and our city have used threats and scare tactics against a new and preferred viaduct option. A tunnel if ever built would take upward to the year 2020 to be completed. That is reason enough to close down the viaduct or retrofit it. A retrofit would enable the SR 99 highway to continue to be used safely.
A retrofit would be just as strong, or even safer than it was the day they built it some 50 plus years ago.

If a 7.0 earthquake ever hits our city you should not worry only about the viaduct but also all our bridges and street and highway overpasses. It would also be devastating to our entire city causing widespread damage. A tunnel would not be exempt. A tunnel option would create snarled traffic to I-5 and our surface streets as stated by our Governor. 82,600 vehicles would not use the proposed tunnel and would be diverted to I-5 and the surface streets. According to stated figures 109,000 vehicles use the viaduct and only 26,000 continue on through the Battery St. tunnel. Those 82,000 vehicles either turn off the viaduct to downtown or continue to Western Avenue . Some turn off to utilize the downtown surface streets and others continue on to Western Avenue to lower Queen Anne, Magnolia and north to Ballard and the Greenwood area. A tunnel would do none of that, which would cause a complete snarl of traffic on all our roadways.

It is imperative that our Governor and our City Council adhere to these demands for the safety of the people. We the people have spoken and voted 70% against a tunnel option. It is past time that you listen to the people. Honor your oath of office or resign from it. We the people of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, do or ordain this Constitution

Guy Gallipeau
(206) 935-9499-guygal787@comcast.net