With Bertha at a halt, Seattle tunnel opponent files lawsuit

When a tunnel opponent found out that Bertha got stuck while digging underneath downtown Seattle, she had one reaction: “I told you so.”

Now, Elizabeth Campbell is suing the contractor, the state, and the Federal Highway Administration.

Campbell wants a full environmental review before Seattle Tunnel Partners digs a huge pit in front of Bertha to try to repair the boring machine and get it going again.

Former Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck is a tunnel supporter, but he told KING 5 he’s also worried about the project.

“There is a leap of faith here. I think the concern and the frustration is widespread, whether you’re for, or against, the tunnel,” said Steinbrueck.

The Washington State Department of Transportation said they have made every effort to comply with state and federal environmental laws.

The contractor doesn’t expect Bertha to run again until the summer, at the earliest.