SDOT wants more analysis before Bertha resumes digging
Apr 13, 2015, 12:12 PM | Updated: 1:49 pm
Bertha is stalled on Seattle's waterfront while crews repair the tunnel machine's cutterhead. (WSDOT photo)
(WSDOT photo)
The Alaskan Way Viaduct is safe for traffic, but the Seattle Department of Transportation wants more analysis before Bertha resumes drilling on the waterfront, according to an independent study.
The review, done by engineering consultant firm CH2M HILL, recommended refinement of some of WSDOT’s analysis of certain parts of the structure, “especially because additional settlement is expected” during tunneling activities.
The study determined the good news to SDOT engineers who are relying on the viaduct to move traffic through Seattle for “two years longer than previously planned, until the tunnel project is completed.”
See the full report here.
After repairs to the tunnel machine’s cutterhead, Bertha will continue work on the tunnel project, which will run about two miles under the city.
Bertha is expected to resume tunneling in August. If all goes as planned, the tunnel is scheduled to open to traffic at the end of 2017.
