WSDOT approves Bertha for another run; tunnel is now 15 percent complete
Mar 7, 2016, 12:18 PM | Updated: 4:54 pm
Bertha has completed a conditional period that allowed it to install 25 rings. The machine will now dig forward another 120 feet to a planned maintenance stop. (WSDOT)
(WSDOT)
Bertha keeps on going.
After installing 25 rings beyond a sinkhole, Bertha has completed a probationary journey. The Washington State Department of Transportation has now given the tunneling contractor, Seattle Tunnel Partners, the thumbs up to move ahead.
Related: Bertha given conditional permission to bore forward after sinkhole incident
Bertha will now move forward 120 feet to a planned maintenance stop at Yesler Way in downtown Seattle. That is the last stop before the boring machine is slated to turn away from the waterfront and dig underneath downtown’s buildings.
Bertha has now bored a distance of 1,427 feet. The SR 99 tunnel is now 15 percent complete.
