Video: New 520 bridge estimates spark questions about its future

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SEATTLE – Estimates are now out for the new 520 floating bridge and replacing Seattle’s Alaskan Way Viaduct. Both are prompting more questions about the future of the spans.

For the 520 bridge, the big questions are how high will tolls have to be and can the state really afford the cost of a full makeover?

"Construction costs have gone up at a rate much higher than inflation,” said David Dye, Washington State Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary.

WSDOT says costs have skyrocketed for three options for a new six lane road. A span similar to the current road and Montlake junction on the west end would cost up to $4.8 billion.

Another option with an off-ramp unloading traffic north of the Montlake Cut would cost a bit more.

Another idea, featuring a tunnel under the Montlake Cut, could top $6.5 billion.

WSDOT leaders say the problem continues to be lack of funding. Tolls will almost definitely be a part, but how much? There is already talk of $10 round trip tolls on SR 520. Would drivers really want to pay more with only $1.6 billion currently slotted for the 520 project?

“I think taking tolls to fill a $5 billion gap is a huge reach, so the question is, are there other sources of funds?" said Dye.

Some Montlake residents who favor the tunnel are already threatening to delay the project if the state goes for a re-do of the current span.

“You're going to have most of those neighborhoods say ‘Over our dead body,’ meaning they'll sue,” said Arboretum Foundation Vice-chair Paige Miller.

But others who live north of the bridge believe these tough economic times leave the state with no choice going forward.

"What you ask then is ‘Do you want to stick with the budget you've got and build something that works?’" said University District resident Jogen Bader.

Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin says he has genuine concerns about a re-do, but also doesn't know where the extra money would come from for the more expensive tunnel plan.

The Washington State Legislature will ultimately have to decide all this and factor in how much money will come from tolls and where the revenue will come from.

Viaduct replacement costs released

For the first time Thursday, WSDOT released estimated costs for the eight options to replace Seattle’s crumbling Alaskan Way Viaduct.

-- Three surface street options will cost between $800 million and $900 million.

-- Two elevated road options will cost between $1.6 billion and $2.2 billion.

-- Three underground options will cost $1.9 billion and $3.5 billion.

The eight options will be narrowed down to three choices to be presented to Gov. Chris Gregoire, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and King Co. Executive Ron Sims next month. They’ll pick which one they want to send to the legislature.

The 55-year-old viaduct, which carries about 100,000 cars a day, was damaged in the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. Transportation officials have warned it could come down in another major quake.