Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program

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From: Alaskan Way Viaduct <wsdot@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Feb 13, 2015 6:46 PM
Subject: Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program
To: guyperea@live.com
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This program is led by the Washington State Department of Transportation in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, King County, City of Seattle and the Port of Seattle.

Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program News

Feb. 13, 2015

In this issue: 

• Getting ready to move Bertha
• Long-term traffic impacts on SR 99: Lane closures begin March 7 through late May

Getting ready to move Bertha

STP is making final preparations for Bertha's move into the 120-foot-deep pit that will allow crews to hoist the machine to the surface for repairs. STP has spent the past few days injecting grout into the ground and installing new drains alongside the machine. These measures will help crews control groundwater as Bertha slowly moves forward through the wall of the pit, an effort that STP plans to begin sometime in the next week.

STP may begin preparing the shaft wall for Bertha's breakthrough even before the machine starts mining. Starting as soon as this weekend, crews plan to use heavy equipment to chip away the portion of the pit's southern wall where Bertha will eventually emerge. This process is similar to scoring a surface before you cut into it, and will allow the concrete to break away in a controlled manner when Bertha finally moves into the pit.

Approximately 20 feet of unreinforced concrete stands between Bertha and daylight. The duration of Bertha's dig will depend on her ability to mine through and digest concrete while operating with a damaged seal system. STP expects Bertha to overheat, as she has during their most recent attempts at mining. They will likely mine until the machine becomes too hot, then take a break. To speed up the move, crews may choose to continue chipping their way toward Bertha from within the pit during times when the machine is cooling off.

Moving Bertha into the pit is just the beginning of the repair process, as this narrated video (links to YouTube) explains in detail. Before the machine can be lifted to the surface by this massive crane (links to YouTube), it must first be partially disassembled, which will likely take significant time and effort. We will provide regular updates on Bertha's progress as soon as she starts moving.

Long-term traffic impacts on SR 99: Lane closures as soon as March 7 through late May  

Beginning as soon as March 7, crews building the future north portal of the SR 99 tunnel will close a single lane in both directions of SR 99/Aurora Avenue North between Valley Street and the Aurora Bridge. Two lanes will be open in each direction while crews install foundations for four large sign structures in the median and curb areas.

Closure details and schedule

Work is planned in two phases. View a map of the work locations. 

• Phase 1 (approximately 8 weeks): one lane closed in both directions for median work
• • One lane in the northbound and southbound directions will be closed around-the-clock while crews install four sign foundations in the median
• Phase 2 (approximately 4 weeks): one lane closed in southbound direction for curb work
• • One southbound lane will be closed around-the-clock while crews install two sign foundations in the southbound curb area

WSDOT understands that these closures will be inconvenient for those who use SR 99 on a regular basis. As such, this work is being completed in winter and early spring to take advantage of typically lower traffic volumes and to avoid conflicts with the recent football season and upcoming major summer events.

Construction schedules are inherently unpredictable due to weather and other factors. Durations shown for each phase are approximate and may change. We will keep the public informed as we prepare for Phase 2 work.

Bus rider information

Because northbound and southbound buses will travel – and stop – in the outside lanes with other vehicle traffic, trips may take longer than normal. During both phases the southbound bus-only lane restriction will be lifted.

Nighttime and weekend work

In an effort to balance the needs of drivers and residents, some work will occur during nighttime and weekend hours. An additional lane may close at night and during some weekend days.

Driver tips

• The long-term lane closures are expected to cause additional backups on SR 99 for vehicles and buses, particularly during peak commute times. WSDOT is encouraging drivers and bus riders to: 
• Allow plenty of extra time and expect additional congestion, especially during peak commute times, on SR 99 between the Aurora Bridge and downtown.
• If possible, consider leaving early, delaying your trip or telecommuting to avoid traveling during peak commute times in the morning and afternoon.
• If you must drive, know before you go and use WSDOT's travel tools or visit SDOT's travelers information page.
• Share a ride with King County Metro or in a car- or vanpool, or walk or ride a bicycle.

Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program
 Web: www.alaskanwayviaduct.org
Email: viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov  
 Phone: 1-888-AWV-LINE
 Twitter: @BerthaDigsSR99

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This service is provided by the Washington State Department of Transportation. Contact us at WebFeedback@wsdot.wa.gov

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If you would like to learn more about accessibility and the tools we have available, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Accessibility

 

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