Just in from WSDOT – read on for the full news release on results of the inspection done while the Alaskan Way Viaduct was closed last weekend:

WSDOT bridge inspection crews reported that they found no new
settlement or structural damage from last week’s inspection of the
Alaskan Way Viaduct. In April, WSDOT completed work to strengthen four
column foundations between Columbia Street and Yesler Way that had
settled approximately 5.5 inches since the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake.

“It appears that the repairs have done their job to stabilize this
section of the viaduct until we begin to take it down in 2012,” said Ron
Paananen, WSDOT Urban Corridors Office Deputy Director. “However, it’s
important to remember that these repairs do not protect the viaduct in
another earthquake.”

“We still consider it a vulnerable structure overall and a top priority
for inspections,” added Jugesh Kapur, WSDOT State Bridge Engineer. “We
will continue to inspect the viaduct every three months to monitor its
condition.”

In addition to measuring existing cracks and settlement on the
structure, crews completed maintenance work including repairing
expansion joints and damaged bridge rails. WSDOT crews conduct
inspections every three months to monitor the viaduct’s condition and
keep drivers safe.

Construction began last month to relocate electrical lines attached to
the lower deck of the viaduct to prepare for taking down the southern
mile of the structure in 2009. Replacing the viaduct from S. Holgate
Street to S. King Street is one of six Moving Forward projects that will
repair or replace about half of the Alaskan Way Viaduct by 2012.