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An 8-Year-Long Emergency

An 8-Year-Long Emergency

By: HistoryLink
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Why was the replacement of the Alaskan Way viaduct an eight-year-long emergency? Because everyone - from governors to stakeholders to community groups - cares deeply about the Seattle central waterfront. An 8-Year-Long Emergency: Seattle, an Earthquake, and a Doomed Waterfront Highway is an exploration of the complicated story behind the replacement of the viaduct following the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. Featuring interviews and engaging discussions with historians, politicians, transportation planners, and community organizers, each episode is set against the backdrop of the waterfront's history. As the podcast reveals, "Even though it’s changed dramatically over time, repeatedly, you can still see traces and touch points of the past wherever you go on the Waterfront," reminding us that the past is always present in the landscape.Copyright 2025 HistoryLink Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary World
Episodes
  • The Long View
    Mar 28 2025

    New Seattle mayor McGinn enters the scene with hopes of dismantling the tunnel project while progressive Seattle grapples with its desire for a 'Waterfront For All', what the deep bore tunnel promises, and the reality of investing long term in a car-centric future. For others, the end result feels certain:

    When we’re done down there [on the waterfront] everybody will win. Without one iota bit of doubt in my mind...Our icon today is the Space Needle, it may very well become the waterfront” - Governor Christine Gregoire

    This episode is hosted by Dominic Black, Kiku Hughes, and Jennifer Ott and features guests Greg Nickels, Mike McGinn, Nick Licata, Christine Gregoire, and Cary Moon

    Additional Resources:

    • Seattle Waterfront History Interviews: Complete Collection

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    50 mins
  • Consensus Through Exhaustion
    Mar 21 2025

    A state-mandated public vote shoots down both tunnel and elevated viaduct and its back to the drawing board. Three new coalitions form to come up with alternatives and while chewing on various options, new deep bore tunnel technology arrives on the scene. But who will foot the bill?

    “Interestingly, it is the fact that it took so long to get to this point in the process that actually made the single bore tunnel feasible...” - Jennifer Ott

    This episode is hosted by Dominic Black, Kiku Hughes, and Jennifer Ott and features guests Greg Nickels, Christine Gregoire, Bob Donegan, Cary Moon, and Paula Hammond

    Additional Resources:

    • 2009 WSDOT Alaskan Way Viaduct Earthquake Simulation
    • Seattle Waterfront History Interviews: Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle
    • Seattle Waterfront History Interviews: Christiine Gregoire, Governor of Washington
    • Seattle Waterfront History Interviews: Bob Donegan, Ivar's
    • Seattle Waterfront History Interviews: Cary Moon, People's Waterfront Coalition
    • Seattle Waterfront History Interviews: Paula Hammond, Washington State Secretary of Transportation

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    46 mins
  • The City, The State and Grand Designs
    Mar 14 2025

    How far have we come? Did we learn from our past mistakes? In this episode, officials and archival voices remember the inequities of previous highway construction in the region and this time, a state-mandated public vote decides the fate of the viaduct, bringing us up to 2007.

    “I think the whole engagement process with people has evolved over the years...a lot of folks were negatively impacted by the decisions we’ve made…especially communities of color. How do we start the conversation with them again in a way that understands…what their needs are? It’s an exciting time, I think - this new awareness of making decisions for transportation around what people and communities need”

    - Paula Hammond, former Washington State Secretary of Transportation

    This episode is hosted by Dominic Black, Kiku Hughes, and Jennifer Ott and features guests Christine Gregoire, Doug McDonald, Knute Berger, and Paula Hammond

    Additional resources:

    • Christine Gregoire wins nation's closest-ever governor's race after recounts and a court battle
    • Committee to Save Big Ugly Things commercial
    • Washington establishes an office for clearing the route of the Seattle Freeway (Interstate 5) on April 1, 1957.
    • Seattle residents stage protest against Interstate 5 Freeway on June 1, 1961.
    • First Hill neighborhood objects to the Seattle Freeway route at a public hearing on September 13, 1961.
    • Seattle voters scrap proposed Bay Freeway and R. H. Thomson Expressway on February 8, 1972.
    • Douglas MacDonald takes office as Washington Secretary of Transportation on April 23, 2001.
    • Viaduct Tunnel Voters Say No and No, 2007
    • Seattle Waterfront History Interviews: Paula Hammond, Washington State Secretary of Transportation
    • Seattle Waterfront History Interviews: Christine Gregoire, Governor of Washington

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    56 mins
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