Two views of the viaduct

What will it be like to drive a new Alaskan Way viaduct, either above or below ground?

To help answer the question, the State Department of Transportation has produced a new animation video showing the drive-through experience of a tunnel and a new elevated viaduct.

The video is being shown at hearings on the supplemental environment-impact statement for the viaduct. Produced by Company 39 along with Parsons Brinckerhoff, a planning and engineering consulting firm that is working on viaduct replacement. The video cost $300,000.

Meanwhile, Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, chairman of the state House Transportation Committee, has come out in support of a tunnel to replace the viaduct.

That puts him at odds with other Seattle lawmakers, including Rep. Helen Sommers, D-Seattle, who support building a new aerial viaduct.

"Replacing the viaduct with a cut-and-cover tunnel will reconnect downtown with the waterfront and provide new open spaces and parks for every citizen of Seattle," Murray said.

The tunnel is expected to cost about $3.6 billion.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com