MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seattle tunnel could open as early as fall

Jan 11, 2018, 8:46 AM

Seattle tunnel...

(WSDOT)

(WSDOT)

The contractor for the Seattle tunnel says it may open by fall 2018.

“Our goal is to safely open the tunnel to traffic as quickly as possible and begin removing the Alaskan Way Viaduct, but it’s too early to accurately predict a tunnel opening date. Safety and quality remain our top priorities, and will continue to guide all work on the program,” the Washington State Department of Transportation said in a statement.

RELATED: Bertha tunnel timeline

The opening date of the tunnel has fluctuated. It was pushed back years after the former tunneling machine Bertha broke down. Just last month, the opening date was predicted to be in early 2019.

The company has finished actually digging the tunnel.

Crews still need to complete the roadway in the tunnel, as well as thoroughly test it.

After the tunnel opens to drivers, WSDOT will begin demolishing the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

MyNorthwest News

Georgetown cabaret shooting...

James Lynch

Reward now $15,000 in deadly Georgetown cabaret shooting

The reward for information leading to an arrest and charge in a deadly shooting at Kitten’s Cabaret in Georgetown has increased to $15,000.

8 hours ago

I-405 (3)...

Nate Connors

WSDOT projects over the weekend include another closure on I-405

The good news is this weekend's list of WSDOT projects is substantially shorter. The bad news is we have another full closure on I-405.

8 hours ago

Jayapal...

MyNorthwest Staff

US Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s office receives suspicious package

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s office in Seattle received a suspicious package Friday afternoon.

9 hours ago

northbound I-5 crash...

MyNorthwest Staff

Northbound I-5 reopened after crash at Michigan Curve

Four lanes are blocked on northbound I-5 due to a crash on Friday.

9 hours ago

power outage tacoma...

MyNorthwest Staff

Power mostly restored in Pierce County

Nearly 4,000 people are currently without power in Tacoma on Friday.

10 hours ago

oregon shooting...

HAVEN DALEY and SAFIYAH RIDDLE, The Associated Press

Teen shooter who killed 4 at Oregon elementary school was a former student, police say

A teacher threw her phone at the teenage gunman who killed four people at an Oregon elementary school, then tackled and fought with him.

10 hours ago

Seattle tunnel could open as early as fall