Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection results: ‘Minor’ settling

(WSDOT photo from last weekend’s inspection)
As promised, WSDOT released results of last weekend’s Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection before the week came to an end. From the announcement:

Although no new structural damage was found, data collected by … 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.”

For the latest on what’s happening with that process, check our report from this week’s meeting of the South Portal Working Group – including the announcement of another viaduct-project open house in West Seattle (November 16 at Madison Middle School) to discuss the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that’s due out in a week.

1 Reply to "Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection results: 'Minor' settling"

  • Jairus October 29, 2010 (1:23 am)

    Those building inspectors were very reliable and essential in inspecting building structures. They were the experts in foreseeing the condition of the building structure.

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