Viaduct Retrofit: The Undead Option

Just when we thought the retrofit option was dead in the water, here comes yet another study.

For months the state Department of Transportation has dismissed proposals to repair, not replace, the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

But now, the state plans to hire an engineering firm to study a retrofit plan crafted by retired structural engineer Victor Gray of Port Townsend.
...
"We don't think it's a good idea," said Ron Paananen, viaduct project manager.

"But they've gotten some attention from their latest proposal, and it seems reasonable to give it a look and see if it works technically."

The state has hired T.Y. Lin International to study the retrofit idea, the same company the state hired in 2001 to look at viaduct options. The company found a retrofit wasn't wise or cost-effective. Paananen, who expects the report to be completed in about six weeks, acknowledged the decision to study a retrofit option is a victory for Gray.

"We recognize there's a lot of people out there who still believe it can be retrofitted," Paananen said. "Let's see what the experts tell us."

Allow me to translate for Mr. Paananen. Basically what he's trying to say is:

There is no way in hell that we are just going to retrofit this thing. The directive has come down from the top, it's tunnel or bust. Unfortunately, the retrofit concept has received a lot of attention and public support lately. They're talking about saving money or something—whatever. So here's what we're going to do. We'll hire the same engineering firm that has already previously concluded that a retrofit would not work. They'll "study" Mr. Gray's idea, and report their findings. I strongly suspect that they will conclude that Mr. Gray's retrofit is not, in fact, a tunnel. Therefore, this silly retrofit concept will be dismissed once and for all.

I think that about sums it up.

(Susan Gilmore, Seattle Times, 05.17.2006)