R.H. Thomson Freeway Records
Scope and Contents note
Reports, surveys, correspondence, meeting minutes and presentational material concerning various aspects of R. H. Thomson Freeway construction. Subjects addressed rang from earthquake studies to the site of the interchange. Folders are arranged alphabetically by type, bound reports and surveys are arranged alphabetically by subject. The freeway was begun but never finished.
Reports, surveys, correspondence, meeting minutes, presentational material, photographs, maps court papers, and property appraisals relating to R. H. Thomson Freeway planning. Subjects addressed include earthquake studies, routes, a tunnel under Union Bay, property acquisition and management, the Arboretum and City Council hearings. The freeway was begun but never finished.
Dates
- Creation: 1958-1977
Creator
- Seattle (Wash.). Engineering Dept. (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access note
Records are open to the public.
Historical Note
The Engineering Department (SED) maintained the City's streets and bridges, designed and oversaw construction of public works projects, provided traffic and transportation planning, and operated the sewer and solid waste utility. The position of City Surveyor was created in 1873 to survey the City, establish boundaries and street grades, and administer condemnation processes. This position was renamed City Engineer in 1890. In 1931 the Engineering Department absorbed part of the Department of Public Utilities and in 1936 it assumed the responsibilities of the Department of Streets and Sewers and the Traffic Department. In 1997, the water, solid waste, drainage, and wastewater utilities from the Engineering and Water departments were merged with the Engineering Services Division of SED and the Customer Service Call Center and Construction Engineering Sections of City Light to form Seattle Public Utilities. The traffic and transportation functions of the Engineering Department were consolidated in the Seattle Transportation Department.
Extent
5.8 Cubic Feet (7 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Engineering and property records concerning a proposed freeway in Seattle.
Arrangement note
Arranged into four series: Correspondence, Reports and Surveys, Court Section Files and City Council Hearing Transcripts.
Subject
- Seattle (Wash.). Engineering Dept. (Organization)
- Title
- Guide to the Seattle Engineering Department R.H. Thomson Freeway Records 1958-1977
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Janet Ness
- Date
- © 2011
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
- Sponsor
- Funding for processing this record series was provided through a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
- EAD Location
- http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv15005
Repository Details
Part of the Seattle Municipal Archives Repository