Yes, but as OP mentions, the article totally discounts any negative affects to QOL.

Explaining how changes to transportation patterns effect quality of life in general was way outside the scope of the article. It’s claim was limited and it argued it well: road closures don’t necessarily cause traffic congestion. It’s unclear if to me if less automobile throughput is a net positive or negative to quality of life, but that’s a separate discussion.

I don't think it is a separate discussion. King County's transportation district is extremely poorly run and cost overages are in the billions. The governing body is appointed and accountable to no one.

If people were given a realistic estimate of the costs, both financial and quality of life, I think there would have been a drastically different outcome.

Which “transportation district” do you mean?

All of them I know of are run by people who have to stand for election so they are accountable to the voters who put them there.

Are you talking about an outcome different than the replacement tunnel? What alternative do you have in mind?

Personally, I live in the South Sound and I would love alternatives that would allow me to visit the city without the hassle of bringing my car.