Alaskan Way Viaduct | Infrastructure-Info.com

Alaskan Way ViaductEmily Young2018-02-21T16:53:00-08:00

The Alaskan Way Viaduct

This $3.2 billion Seattle project is actually a collection of 32 individual projects that launched in 2010 to replace an outdated section of State Route 99. The most famous part is the 2-mile-long tunnel dug by the “Bertha” drill, which started burrowing into the Seattle soil in summer 2013. After a two-year delay to diagnose and repair technical troubles with the drill, Bertha finished tunneling on April 4, 2017. State and local government officials estimate the entire project will be completed in 2023.

Alaskan Way Viaduct Tear-Down Contract Awarded to Kiewit

Engineering News-Record » As Washington State Dept. of Transportation officials look toward a fall 2018 opening of the 1.7-mile-long bored tunnel under downtown Seattle that will replace the aging 1953-opened Alaskan Way Viaduct—also part of State Route 99—the final contract in the $3.3-billion project to tear down the viaduct was awarded to Kiewit Infrastructure West.

May 21st, 2018|

Toll plan for Seattle tunnel to be released in the spring

KING-TV » The Washington State Transportation Commission is expected to get a progress report Thursday on the upcoming statewide pay-by-mile pilot program, which could eventually be a gas tax replacement. Because there are more highly fuel-efficient cars these days, the state says it needs to find new ways to make up for the lost tax revenue to pay for roads.

January 18th, 2018|

Seattle viaduct demolition: When it will happen and what to expect

Curbed Seattle » With Bertha the tunnel-boring machine’s job complete, the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement tunnel’s construction is well underway. And with the replacement coming, the viaduct’s days are officially numbered.

August 3rd, 2017|

VIDEO: Contractor knew about steel pipe in Bertha’s path

King 5 » Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP) knew an 8-inch steel pipe was in Bertha’s path two years before the tunnel boring machine chewed through it, according to a new suit filed by Washington state. STP says the pipe stranded the massive machine for two years while extensive repairs were made.

July 27th, 2017|

The ULTIMATE look at Bertha’s breakthrough

WSDOT » On April 4, 2017, one of the world’s largest tunneling machines chewed through more than 1,000 tons of concrete and fiberglass to end a 1.7 mile journey underneath downtown Seattle. With a drone’s eye view, this video shows the raw power of Bertha’s breakthrough – start to finish.

April 6th, 2017|