Date:  Friday, October 22, 2010

Contact:

Travis Phelps, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-462-0554 (cell)

KaDeena Yerkan, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-805-2846

View photos of the inspection

SEATTLE – Survey results from last weekend’s semiannual inspection of the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct uncovered minor settlement of a column in downtown Seattle.

Although no new structural damage was found, data collected by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) survey crews showed a column on the east side of the viaduct south of Yesler Way had settled a half-inch since the July 2010 visual inspection. This particular column has settled approximately 1 7/16 inches since the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake. This is still within the established column settlement threshold of 6 inches.

“The settlement we discovered during this inspection is very minor,” said Jugesh Kapur, WSDOT State Bridge Engineer. “While the Alaskan Way Viaduct is continuing to settle, it is still safe for drivers.”

“The viaduct is continuing to slowly shift and sink,” said Alaskan Way Viaduct Program Administrator Ron Paananen. “While this settlement is minor, it’s a reminder that we must press on with replacing this vulnerable structure.”

Built in the 1950s, the seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct carries thousands of vehicles to and from downtown Seattle, two major stadiums and the Port of Seattle each day. Its increasing age and vulnerability is apparent by crumbling concrete, exposed rebar, weakening column connections and deteriorating railings. WSDOT crews conduct visual inspections every three months to monitor the Viaduct’s condition and keep drivers safe. Full inspections and closures are conducted every six months.

To keep drivers safe and the economy moving, WSDOT is working to replace the southern mile of the viaduct between S. King and S. Holgate streets with a new side-by-side roadway that meets current seismic standards. Drivers will see the first sections of the viaduct demolished in 2012 and the project wrapping up in 2013. During construction, SR 99 will remain open to traffic.

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement program, visit http://www.alaskanwayviaduct.org/.

< Go Back