Case Study: Delay from Regulatory Approvals on Seattle Tunnel Project (Seattle, WA, 2018)

Project Overview
• Name: Seattle Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Tunnel
• Location: Seattle, Washington
• Year: 2018
• Project Size: $3.3 billion
• Scope: Construction of a deep bored highway tunnel replacing an elevated viaduct
• Lead Agencies/Contractors: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) /

Category of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• Regulatory Approval
• Project Delay

Summary of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
Delays in securing environmental and safety permits slowed critical construction phases, causing significant schedule slippage.

Root Cause Analysis

• Complex Regulatory Environment: Multiple agencies with overlapping jurisdiction created approval bottlenecks.
• Late Submission of Documentation: Required environmental impact reports and safety plans were submitted later than planned.
• Changing Regulatory Requirements: Amendments in regulations mid-project required rework of permits.
• Poor Coordination: Limited communication between project management and regulatory bodies.

Impacts Due to the Issue, Problem, or Challenge

• Delay of approximately 10 months.
• Increased overhead and contractor costs.
• Public frustration due to prolonged construction duration.

Corrective Actions Taken

1. Created dedicated regulatory liaison teams for continuous agency engagement.
2. Implemented earlier and more thorough regulatory submission planning.
3. Adopted proactive tracking of regulation changes and quick response processes.
4. Strengthened communication channels between project and regulators.

Lessons Learned

• Early, consistent engagement with regulators avoids approval delays.
• Regulatory timelines must be integrated into project schedules realistically.
• Flexibility to adapt to regulatory changes is critical.

Audit & Prevention: Project Control Questions to Ask on Future Projects to Help Control the Situation

• Are regulatory requirements fully understood and planned for?
• Is there continuous engagement with regulatory bodies?
• Are submission timelines strictly managed and tracked?