Alaskan Way Viaduct2018-02-21T16:53:00-08:00

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$3.2 billion Seattle project is actually a collection of 32 individual projects that launched in 2010 to replace an outdated section of State Route 99.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.

Washington Governor suspends Bertha tunneling after sinkhole

King 5 News » A sinkhole developed near the repair pit shortly after drilling resumed on the new State Route 99 project causing Washington State Governor Inslee to issue a stop work order on the project until the Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP) can guarantee the public’s safety.

January 14, 2016|

After 2-year breakdown, Bertha begins tunneling again

Associated Press / KomoNews.com » After being stuck for two years, Bertha, the machine boring a tunnel under Seattle, has successfully moved 73 feet and installed 12 concrete tunnel rings. The Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) now expect the project to be completed by April 2018, nearly three years later than originally planned.

January 7, 2016|

Bertha back on the move after 2 years of delays

The Seattle Times » According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) the tunnel boring machine, Bertha, is finally on the move again after stalling two years ago. The contractors, Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP), plan to resume digging under the Alaskan Way Viaduct in March 2016 after a testing period in January. Repair costs are expected to exceed $143 million, in addition to the existing $1.35 billion contract with STP for the State Route 99 project.

December 22, 2015|

Workers begin preparing soil for Bertha’s restart

The Seattle Times » The tunnel boring machine, known as Bertha, is almost ready to resume digging. Bertha’s new rotary cutter and soil mixing arms will be tested over the next few weeks. The Seattle Tunnel Partners are injecting grout into the soil and plan to resume digging by November 23, 2015 with construction completion expected by March 2018.

October 14, 2015|

WSDOT sues contractor on Bertha tunnel project

Puget Sound Business Journal » In response to lawsuits by insurance companies, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) filed suit against the lead contractor for the Alaskan Way Viaduct tunnel project, nicknamed Bertha. WSDOT is requesting the state court postpone any legal action until the project is completed.

October 9, 2015|
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