The New York Times » According to this investigatory report by The New York Times, the consortium that was awarded the $3.1 billion Panama Canal (“Panamax”) contract is seeking $3.4 billion in excess expenses. Construction on the megaproject was completed two years behind schedule due to internal disputes, work stoppages, porous concrete, cracks in the concrete, and water […]
The Seattle Times » The Alaskan Way Viaduct was scheduled to be closed for two weeks beginning on April 29 so Bertha, the tunnel boring machine, could work under the existing tunnel and move forward 385 feet. The Alaskan Way Viaduct reopened five days earlier than scheduled, but Bertha still needs to finish boring the remaining 73 […]
The Seattle Times » In January 2016, a geotechnical expert for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) warned officials of possible over excavation and ground loss one day before a sinkhole appeared 110 feet behind the tunnel boring machine’s cutting face. WSDOT and their consulting engineers are concerned about the contractor’s ability to maintain soil […]
Bloomberg Business » The Panama Canal will soon be able to accommodate vessels carrying 12,600 containers, which is three times its current capacity. The $5.3 billion expansion project is 97% complete, and is expected to open on June 26, nearly two years behind schedule.
The Seattle Times » Sound Transit’s tunnel boring machine, known as Pamela, stalled while digging through hard ground just north of the new University District’s Station in Seattle, Washington. Pamela was stuck for six weeks, and is slowly on the move again after limited repairs. Extensive repairs will take place when Pamela reaches the next underground […]
The Seattle Times » The Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP), the contractor on the Highway 99 tunnel project, submitted a report to Washington state officials to explain why a sinkhole formed near Bertha’s (the tunnel boring machine’s) repair site. In a statement, Governor Inslee said the information provided was insufficient.