Update: The governor made it official today: construction will begin on the $4.24 billion deep-bored tunnel in 2011, opening to drivers in 2015. And now the official reaction is coming in. “As representatives of the 36th Legislative District, we applaud this decisive action for how it will enhance the city and entire region,” said Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Rep. Reuven Carlyle in a joint statement. “We recognize work remains to be done in ensuring ample funding and full access for all areas of Magnolia, Queen Anne and Ballard, including our essential maritime, manufacturing and industrial sectors.”

But the issue is access, particularly for people in West Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Ballard. the Western Ave. (above) and Elliott Ave. ramps, which currently serve about one-third of the total Viaduct traffic and will be eliminated with the tunnel (the brown dotted line below).

As reported by the magnoliavoice.com, The Magnolia Neighborhood Planning Council filed an initiative to block construction of the proposed underground tunnel to replace the viaduct. She will need to submit at least 17,967 signatures within 180 days for the measure to be acted on by the City Council or submitted to a vote.

Check myBallard.com for a complete update and links to a Face Sheet and video.