SEATTLE: Port of Seattle Commissioners will vote Tuesday to allocate another $5 million to the Lander Street Overpass project, an amount which pushes the SoDo Project closer to reality. “With Safeco Field actually, the Lander Street Overpass was planned to help traffic congestion in SoDo,” says Port Commission President John Creighton. “We’re thrilled this is finally moving forward.”
Maritime and industrial proponents have pushed for the overpass for years, due to the fact the current at-grade portion intersects with multiple rail lines. When a long train goes through, “it gums up east-west traffic,” says Creighton. The funding, according to SDOT, guarantees that design work can be completed on the overpass. According to SDOT, multiple sources have now dedicated money to the project, including the Port.
The USDOT allocated $45 million for the project last month. SDOT says the Move Seattle Levy slotted another $20 million. The State legislature budgeted $7 million for the span. All told, contributions from BNSF, the Puget Sound Regional Council and the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board have dedicated funds to Lander. SDOT has already held an open house on the project.
However, SDOT spokesperson Norm Mah said Monday that the project still needs further millions in order to break ground by 2018. The total project cost is estimated to be $140 million, and SDOT believes it has secured roughly $100 million. Where that money comes from right now, to fill the gap, is unclear. SoDo Arena investor Chris Hansen was slated to spend roughly $18-20 million on the project, in exchange for vacating Occidental Avenue, but the Seattle City Council ultimately decided to reject that exchange in May. Mah says, “Additional funding could come from a variety of sources including increased contributions from existing funding partners, grants, or other appropriations”. Creighton said Monday, “I think we’ll get there.”
