How Deep Does the Seattle Tunnel Go? Don't Worry, It's Not Mordor (But Maybe It Should Be)
Ever driven through Seattle and felt like you're descending into the belly of the beast? Well, you're not wrong... kind of. Especially when it comes to the SR 99 tunnel, which whooshes you underground in a flash. But have you ever stopped to wonder, just how deep does that rabbit hole go?
Deeper Than Your Fear of Missing Out on Brunch
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
The answer, my friend, is 215 feet at its deepest point. That's roughly the length of two Tyrannosaurus Rexes stacked on top of each other. Not quite Mordor-level depths, but definitely enough to feel a twinge of claustrophobia for those who aren't fans of enclosed spaces.
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
But Hey, At Least You're Not Stuck in Traffic
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Think about it this way: while you're cruising comfortably underground, those poor souls on the surface are likely inching forward in a sea of brake lights. So, give yourself a mental pat on the back for choosing the tunnel life.
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
Bonus Fun Fact: The Tunnel Boring Machine Was Nicknamed "Bertha"
Because apparently, giant drilling machines need nicknames too. Bertha, the 57.5-foot-diameter tunneling machine, dug her way through Seattle for years, becoming a bit of a local legend (and source of construction delays, but that's a story for another time).
How To: Tunnel Trivia Time!
 |
Think you've absorbed all there is to know about Seattle's subterranean highway? Put your knowledge to the test with these quick FAQs:
How long is the tunnel? A whopping 9,270 feet, or almost 2 miles long. That's a lot of underground real estate!
How many lanes does it have? This double-decker highway boasts four lanes in total, two on each level. Plenty of space to navigate the underbelly of the city.
When did the tunnel open? Seattle's motorists finally got a break from surface traffic in February 2019.
Is it safe in an earthquake? They built this baby tough! The SR 99 tunnel is designed to withstand even the biggest quakes the Pacific Northwest can throw at it.
Can I walk or bike through the tunnel? Sorry cyclists and pedestrians, this tunnel is strictly for cars. But hey, at least you can enjoy the scenic route above ground!
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
