No voting on viaduct; ball is in Gregoire's court now.(Gov. Christine Gregoire)

Byline: Mike Lindblom and Susan Gilmore

Sep. 23--With the Seattle City Council's decision Friday not to ask for voters' opinion on how to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, the road's fate is back in the state's hands.

In the next few months, Gov. Christine Gregoire is expected to decide how to replace the 53-year-old elevated roadway -- with either a new elevated structure or a tunnel. She hasn't indicated which alternative she might favor.

In a 7-1 vote Friday, the council declared that a tunnel is its preferred option and sent a strong signal that it would resist replacing the viaduct with a new elevated highway.

But whether a replacement is constructed in the sky or underground, the funding for a new Alaskan Way highway depends on goodwill from state lawmakers.

Severe cost increases for both options -- announced this …