Industrial companies and truckers in Ballard have been outspoken about the deep-bore tunnel that’s slated to replace the Viaduct.
Back in March at a Ballard town hall meeting (photo above), many raised concerns about access to the north portal of the tunnel. And this week, the BINMIC (Ballard Interbay Northend Manufacturing & Industrial Center) Action Committee has sent a letter to Ron Paananen, the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program Administrator with comments about the proposed north portal and its access routes for trucks.
BINMIC asked for “major truck streets” that limit parking, traffic lights, curb bulbs and other impediments. The committee also raised the importance of direct on/off-ramp access to Mercer Street or Denny Way, and they asked for input on the tolling location to minimize the impact on traffic flow. “Given the planning, design construction and traffic analysis issues we have identified, the BINMIC AC and its member organizations believe it is unrealistic that the current plan for completion of the north portal design be completed by the end of 2009,” the letter stated. The letter was signed by John Kane, committee chair, Beth Williamson Miller, the executive director of the Ballard Chamber, Eugene Wasserman, president of the North Seattle Industrial Association and Peter Philips, president of the Seattle Marine Business Coalition.
Reminder: There is a Viaduct replacement meeting on Thursday from 6–8 p.m. at the Leif Erickson Hall, Auditorium (2245 NW 57th St.) At the meeting, you will be able to ask questions and share your thoughts on what environmental elements and mitigation measures should be studied in the supplemental draft environmental impact statement on the proposed bored tunnel alternative.