An 8-Year-Long Emergency
An 8-Year-Long Emergency
Podcast Description
Why was the replacement of the Alaskan Way viaduct an eight-year-long emergency? Because everyone - from governors to stakeholders to community groups - cares deeply about the Seattle central waterfront.
An 8-Year-Long Emergency: Seattle, an Earthquake, and a Doomed Waterfront Highway is an exploration of the complicated story behind the replacement of the viaduct following the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. Featuring interviews and engaging discussions with historians, politicians, transportation planners, and community organizers, each episode is set against the backdrop of the waterfront's history.
As the podcast reveals, "Even though it’s changed dramatically over time, repeatedly, you can still see traces and touch points of the past wherever you go on the Waterfront," reminding us that the past is always present in the landscape.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes of urban planning, historical preservation, and social justice, with episodes examining the viaduct's historical significance, its impact on local communities, and the emotional and moral debates surrounding urban development, such as the episodes 'Earth Versus Viaduct' and 'A Contested Waterfront'.
Why was the replacement of the Alaskan Way viaduct an eight-year-long emergency? Because everyone – from governors to stakeholders to community groups – cares deeply about the Seattle central waterfront.
An 8-Year-Long Emergency: Seattle, an Earthquake, and a Doomed Waterfront Highway is an exploration of the complicated story behind the replacement of the viaduct following the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. Featuring interviews and engaging discussions with historians, politicians, transportation planners, and community organizers, each episode is set against the backdrop of the waterfront’s history.
As the podcast reveals, “Even though it’s changed dramatically over time, repeatedly, you can still see traces and touch points of the past wherever you go on the Waterfront,” reminding us that the past is always present in the landscape.
New Seattle mayor McGinn enters the scene with hopes of dismantling the tunnel project while progressive Seattle grapples with its desire for a ‘Waterfront For All’, what the deep bore tunnel promises, and the reality of investing long term in a car-centric future. For others, the end result feels certain:
“When we’re done down there [on the waterfront] everybody will win. Without one iota bit of doubt in my mind…Our icon today is the Space Needle, it may very well become the waterfront” – Governor Christine Gregoire
This episode is hosted by Dominic Black, Kiku Hughes, and Jennifer Ott and features guests Greg Nickels, Mike McGinn, Nick Licata, Christine Gregoire, and Cary Moon
Additional Resources:
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