18 Questions
What was the main project that Seattle voters rejected in 1972?
R.H. Thomson Expressway
What purpose did the Thomson Expressway on and offramps serve before being connected to the Evergreen Point Bridge?
Kids would jump off them into Lake Washington during warm summer days, serving as expensive diving boards.
What environmental factor contributed to the skepticism towards highway projects in the late 1960s and '70s?
Rising environmental consciousness
How did the Thomson Expressway on and offramps become symbols of grassroots citizen activism?
They stood unconnected, representing opposition to the R.H. Thomson project and the wrong kind of progress.
Why did visitors often express confusion when looking at the Thomson Expressway on and offramps?
They wondered why the freeway stopped in midair in a beautiful arboretum park.
What actions did the anti-expressway coalition take to oppose the R.H. Thomson project?
Blocked bulldozers, signed petitions, urged the city to change course
How did the cancellation of the R.H. Thomson Expressway in 1972 impact Seattle?
Prevented destruction of neighborhoods and displacement of people
What is the current fate of the Thomson Expressway on and offramps in relation to the 520 bridge expansion?
Parts of the arboretum with the ramps are being restored while a section will be kept to commemorate citizen activism.
What are some of the challenges associated with Interstate 5 (I-5) that are mentioned in the text?
Traffic weaving and jamming, reversible express lanes bottleneck, visual, auditory, and olfactory barriers
What critical roles does Interstate 5 (I-5) play despite its challenges?
Backbone of state's freight movements, supports regional express bus system
What is the purpose of the I-5 Systems Partnership mentioned in the text?
Study near-term solutions and develop a master plan for the central corridor
What is the geographic scope of the 107-mile central corridor referred to in the text?
Tumwater to Marysville
How many licensed drivers are estimated to be part of the population living along the 107-mile central corridor?
3.3 million licensed drivers
What are some proposed solutions to address traffic issues on I-5 according to the draft call to action by the I-5 Systems Partnership?
Patch and repair existing infrastructure, implement a congestion charge or per-mile fees, and consider HOT lanes with tolls.
What was the original plan for funding the construction of I-5 in the 1940s, and why was it changed?
The original plan was to have toll booths and limited entry like turnpikes, but it changed when the federal government offered to cover 90% of the construction costs for a toll-free freeway.
What challenges do bus drivers face in the current HOV lanes on I-5, and how does the partnership propose to address this issue?
Bus drivers have to slow down when passing stopped traffic due to last-second merges at low speeds. The proposal is to introduce HOT lanes with tolls and controlled access points.
What historical impact did the creation of Freeway Park have on Downtown Seattle, and how could this serve as a model for future developments?
Freeway Park helped reconnect downtown to a section of First Hill. This could serve as a template for building a longer lid for parkspace and other uses.
In the context of the ongoing climate crisis, what is suggested as a smarter pursuit to address the issues with I-5?
Replacing I-5 entirely is proposed as a smarter pursuit during the ongoing climate crisis.
Test your knowledge on Seattle's freeway development in the 1950s and '60s, including the R.H. Thomson Expressway project. Learn about the city's ambitious plans to create a network of highways around the central area.
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