SEATTLE (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire says the state Transportation Department has received two bids at or under the limit for the project to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle with a tunnel.
The cost is estimated at nearly $2 billion.
Gregoire said in Seattle Friday that the bids submitted Thursday meet the needs for the project she calls essential to state commerce.
Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond says the department will review the bids and select the one with the best value.
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn is a tunnel opponent who has insisted the city not get stuck with cost overruns.
Gregoire says the state can’t afford to wait to replace the 57-year-old waterfront viaduct that was weakened by the 2001 Nisqually earthquake.
