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Residents, politicians continue push for Ballard tunnel

Published  May 31, 2016 9:59am PDT
Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) — A coalition of residents and politicians have been pushing for a light rail tunnel under Salmon Bay and may continue to do so, even though a less-expensive option is expected to be on the ballot this fall.

Our news partner The Seattle Times reports that constructing such a tunnel in Ballard would cost about $450 million. A Sound Transit 3 ballot measure will let voters weigh in on a different option this fall: funding for a 70-foot-high drawbridge in 2035.

The main argument in favor of a tunnel is that light-rail passengers could avoid delays caused by bridge openings.

Sound Transit's choice of a drawbridge isn't legally binding. Transit board Chairman Dow Constantine says he will leave the possibility of a tunnel open for consideration after the election.