Date:
Friday, October 19, 2007
Contact:
Emily Fishkin, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-6821 (Seattle), 206-437-5061 (cell)
Harvey Coffman, WSDOT Bridge Preservation Office, 360-570-2556 (Olympia)
SEATTLE β Inspection results released today show no additional settlement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct between Columbia Street and Yesler Way, and no new structural damage. However, the viaduct continues to show signs of aging and deterioration.
Since the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, the viaduct has settled approximately 5 inches between Columbia Street and Yesler Way. Due to the trend of continued settlement, WSDOT started repairs this week to strengthen four column footings in this one-block area. Repairs involve drilling 88 steel rods surrounded by concrete, called micropiles, around the four existing footings. The reinforcements will make a wider and stronger column foundation, limiting further settlement into the fill soil.
βItβs always good news when we do not see additional settlement, but we still need to move forward with the repair to keep the viaduct safe for drivers,β said Harvey Coffman with the WSDOT Bridge Preservation Office.
The repair work, estimated to cost $5 million, will take about six months to complete. No lane closures on the viaduct will be required. About 20 parking stalls will be temporarily closed along with the traveling lane under the viaduct between Columbia Street and Yesler Way.
No work will take place between Nov. 22 and Jan. 1 to accommodate holiday travel and shopping.
This is the first of six safety and mobility projects designed to repair or replace about half of the deteriorating viaduct.
WSDOT will conduct another survey and visual inspection of the viaduct in three months. The next full inspection, which requires a closure of the viaduct, is not scheduled until the spring.
For more information, please visit the Web Site.
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