Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, Railway tunnel in Downtown Seattle, United States
The Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel runs roughly 2 kilometers beneath city streets and connects five underground stations at major downtown locations. The tunnel is used by the light rail system to move tens of thousands of daily passengers through the core of the city.
Construction of the tunnel began in the late 1980s and was completed in 1990 to provide modern transit solutions for the growing downtown area. The project represented an ambitious effort to move transportation underground through the city center.
Each station displays artwork created by local artists, bringing color and expression to the underground space. Public art is woven into the daily experience for those moving through the tunnel.
The stations are easily accessible since they sit directly beneath downtown's main streets and are well marked with signage. The tunnel is fully climate controlled and offers shelter from harsh weather.
The tunnel was originally designed for special buses that switched from diesel fuel to electric power when entering the underground section. This system was later replaced by the light rail, which runs entirely on electricity.
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