News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 27, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Seattle transportation project vital for state economy, Locke says

SEATTLE - Gov. Gary Locke today hailed the groundbreaking of a project designed to let trains, trucks and cars move more quickly through south Seattle as vital for the state's economy and area commuters.

The groundbreaking is for the State Route 519 Intermodal Access Project, which will cost $170 million to complete three phases. Crews will elevate roadways, build pedestrian overcrossings and remove and rebuild the eastbound Interstate 90 freeway ramp to Fourth Avenue South.

"Separating trains from automobiles and trucks is crucial so freight can get to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma without being delayed by road traffic," Locke said.

He added the project also would relieve congestion for commuters and make it safer for pedestrians going to and leaving SAFECO Field and the new Seahawks stadium.

Locke said one in three jobs in Washington is tied to trade and congestion-relieving projects such as the 519 Intermodal Access Project will help assure jobs remain in Washington.

He noted some 1.5 million containers moved through the Port of Seattle while another 1.38 million moved through the Port of Tacoma last year.

The governor added that the SR 519 grade crossing is the busiest at-grade crossing in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe's entire system.

"Because of traffic congestion, it now takes as much time to truck agricultural products to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma from the Interstate 90--State Route 18 interchange near North Bend as it does to haul them to that intersection from Eastern Washington," Locke said.

He warned shippers will use ports in California and British Columbia if Washington can't get its cargo to port on time.

Locke also said the SR 519 project is indicative of transportation needs across the state.

"If we don't fix our transportation problems now, our businesses won't grow -- they'll leave our state," the governor said.

He repeated his vow to keep the Legislature in Olympia until it has reached agreement on transportation efficiencies, projects and funding.

» Return to this month's News Releases
» View News Release Archive

Access Washington