Oregon Public Broadcasting

The deep-bore tunnel replacement plan for the Alaskan Way viaduct in Seattle cleared the Washington House Wednesday night.

The plan heads back to the state Senate for amendments. Then it’s off to the governor for her expected approval. Correspondent Ryan Morden has this report.

Amidst the lore of the Alaskan Way viaduct replacement saga, House Speaker Frank Chopp has been an outspoken critic of the deep bore tunnel.

His opposition made the fate of the underground highway uncertain from the start. But Chopp finally consented after colleagues agreed to an amendment that would put Seattle property owners on the hook for any cost overruns.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 53 to 43. Democratic Transportation Chair Judy Clibborn is glad to have a project she calls monumental in scope, off her plate.

Judy Clibborn: “If you listen carefully, you will hear a giant sigh. I think it’s a sigh of relief. And it’s not coming just from people who can see the space needle. it’s coming from people across the state from people who are saying ‘when are you going to get done with this project and move on.’”

The tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way viaduct will cost an estimated $4.3 billion.