Think of what Seattle could have done here if we hadn't replaced our own elevated highway on the waterfront with a surface highway www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j... - ThreadSky

ericacbarnett.bsky.social • 36 days ago

Think of what Seattle could have done here if we hadn't replaced our own elevated highway on the waterfront with a surface highway

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/17/seoul-cheonggyecheon-motorway-turned-into-a-stream

Comments

bentripp.bsky.social•36 days ago

I've been there. This stream is like an artery of peace that flows through the heart of the city.

avgzing.com•36 days ago

I really find it fascinating how few water features we put in our parks given that we're not worried about freezing and we have such wonderful access to stable water supplies here.

sp2guzzi.bsky.social•36 days ago

Every once in a while it freezes in Seattle. I am not sure how cold it has to get to cause damage, but 2 winters ago (?) there was no mail delivery at our house for about a week (flat terrain near Green Lake) because an ice storm coated ice on all the streets and walks, and didn't melt for a week.

sp2guzzi.bsky.social•35 days ago

Today we had our first snowfall of this season. Heavy enough to obscure distant objects. Light enough, given the temp was mid-30s, to be melted quickly.

boozefoodtravel.bsky.social•36 days ago

That stream in Seoul is a fantastic park. It was popular while I was there 12 years ago. Only problem: a lot of bugs in summer.

stephgabz.bsky.social•36 days ago

I've walked that part of Seoul...one of the things I liked about it.

m04301945.bsky.social•36 days ago

We cannot compare ourselves to South Koreans. They impeach and jail their corrupt presidents. We reelect and turn ours into kings. This is why we cannot have nice things.

bionhart.bsky.social•36 days ago

jealousy so intense i can taste it

sototallydone.bsky.social•36 days ago

We had the “Big Dig” in Boston to sink our elevated highway below ground. Now we have a greenway up top.

ptomj.bsky.social•36 days ago

I feel like in some ways that's just even funnier. Can't be doing without the highways and invest in any form of decent public transport, so just sink the highways!

sototallydone.bsky.social•36 days ago

I’d prefer a more robust public transport (that doesn’t spontaneously ignite) for sure.

you-bastard.bsky.social•36 days ago

Well, at least it wasn't an overly expensive project.

sototallydone.bsky.social•36 days ago

Haaaaa!!! Right?!

ptomj.bsky.social•36 days ago

Haha!

ericacbarnett.bsky.social•36 days ago

Time to resurface this oldie: https://www.thestranger.com/news/2004/04/05/17661/nothing-goes-here

ericacbarnett.bsky.social•36 days ago

And this one: https://www.thestranger.com/features/2007/02/22/161447/no-and-hell-no

anonimusnow.bsky.social•36 days ago

Two words: congestion pricing :)

trappiste.bsky.social•36 days ago

That is one of the weirdest road use decisions I’ve ever seen given the effort involved.

trappiste.bsky.social•36 days ago

(Seattle)

grapegal.bsky.social•36 days ago

Does this give more sleeping room under bridges?

sp2guzzi.bsky.social•36 days ago

While it looks nice, what would be the water source if one wanted an artificial canal? I am not a fan of the road mess, but what urban alternatives would people like to propose?

Several folks told me they like the walking area below Pike Place Mkt. I haven't been there so can't comment on that.

frixkort.bsky.social•36 days ago

It’s very nice. I was in love with the viaduct and was sad when they tore it down (it was unsafe tho). I’m surprisingly excited about how the waterfront has been developed for personal and bikes. You can take the wheel tho. hates.

kzcomments.bsky.social•36 days ago

America thinks profit...the world thinks benefits....

ripley-blake.bsky.social•36 days ago

At a glance, very nice and inviting - reminds me of the River Walk in San Antonio. Always thought something like this should be added between Port of Seattle/Pier 66 and the Space Needle/Monorail access point.

nwraised87.bsky.social•36 days ago

Seattle is a city of many what ifs

robvee.bsky.social•36 days ago

I was there this summer during the unbearable Seoul heat and sitting by this stream was blissful.

kylia-daden.bsky.social•36 days ago

I think Utrecht in the Netherlands also did this once.
They tore out a highway across the city and change that into a canal.

rigomundo.bsky.social•36 days ago

And (*I think?) would have forced cars into the 99 tunnel which would have improved revenues to pay for that project

realchrispeterson.bsky.social•35 days ago

Alaskan Way serves a different purpose than the tunnel. It existed before the viaduct and it existed separate from the viaduct during its life.

soozbee.bsky.social•36 days ago

I moved away from Seattle a long time ago, but the tunnel & getting rid of the viaduct were in the planning stages at the time & yes - the tunnel was supposed to replace it & the surface was supposed to be a park/green belt to connect better connect the waterfront to downtown.

edsplace.bsky.social•36 days ago

Yea. That would have been awesome.

leftturnisright.bsky.social•36 days ago

And spend an extra FIVE minutes getting to Queen Anne?! I think not!

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply