The Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) has selected a consultant team led by WSP, a global engineering firm with extensive local experience, for a feasibility study to explore opportunities for further lidding Interstate 5 between Denny Way and Madison Street in downtown Seattle. The WSP team also includes the local and national firms of Shiels Obletz Johnsen, OJB Landscape Architecture, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, BergerABAM, Rule Seven, Framework, HR&A Advisors and Enviroissues.
The I-5 Lid Feasibility Study will evaluate potential lidding options through a range of technical, economic, financial and social equity analyses to help inform next step recommendations and an implementation strategy, including funding strategies as well as long-term operations. Funds for the $1.2 million study come from an $83 million public benefit package associated with the expansion of the Washington State Convention Center. A stakeholder committee will advise the City and the consultant team, and the City of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods will assist with additional community outreach. The study is anticipated to be complete by early 2020.
“While we rely on Interstate 5 as a primary transportation spine for our city and region, it comes at a cost. The feasibility study is a key next step toward creating new lids across I-5 that can help reconnect our neighborhoods, reduce air and noise pollution impacts, and create new opportunities for public space, housing and other uses in the most built-out part of Seattle,” said Sam Assefa, Director of OPCD, which is leading the study effort in collaboration with other key agencies, including the Seattle and Washington State Departments of Transportation. “We are excited to have such a well-qualified team leading this effort, and look forward to getting the process underway in the coming weeks.”
Additional information about the study process and scope can be found on Lid I-5 website.
For questions, contact OPCD’s Project Manager, Lyle Bicknell, lyle.bicknell@seattle.gov.