May be weeks before we know what’s blocking Bertha
Dec 20, 2013, 3:16 PM | Updated: 3:38 pm
It’s still not clear what’s blocking Bertha and Seattle Tunnel Partners say it could be weeks before we find out.
A spokesperson told KIRO Radio Friday crews were able to lower groundwater levels enough to get a peak at the big drill. Bertha is OK, but it’s still not clear what’s blocking her path 60 feet below South Jackson Street and South Main Street.
Still don’t know what’s blocking my path. One of the guys was able to peek through a hatch, but he didn't see anything unusual.
— Bertha (@BerthaDigsSR99) December 20, 2013
The machine was shut down Dec. 7 about 1,000 feet into the 1.7 mile project.
Crews will continue installing wells and pumping to lower the groundwater levels.
In the meantime, Seattle Tunnel Partners says crews are working on other aspects of the project, so it’s not clear the impact the delay will have on costs and schedule.
The 58-foot diameter tunnel is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015, creating a four-lane route for Highway 99 traffic between South Lake Union and the area south of downtown.
The $1.4 billion tunnel contract is part of the $3.1 billion project to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct along the downtown Seattle waterfront.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
