Viaduct inspection results: “Small amount of settlement”

… but WSDOT says the Alaskan Way Viaduct remains safe. Here’s the full news release just sent out about the results of last weekend’s inspections:

WSDOT bridge inspection crews reported a small amount of settlement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct near Seneca Street . New settlement in this area was approximately ¼ of an inch, bringing total settlement near Seneca Street to 1-5/8 inches since the Nisqually earthquake in 2001. No structural damage or new cracks were found during last weekend’s semiannual inspection and closure. Tests of the fire detection and suppression systems in the Battery Street Tunnel were successful. All sprinklers in the tunnel are functioning properly, and only a few of the heat detection devices need repairs.

Crews also measured existing cracks on the structure and completed maintenance work including removing loose concrete, repairing expansion joints and damaged bridge rails, cleaning the Battery Street Tunnel and re-painting lane markings the entire length of the viaduct.

“While the viaduct remains safe for drivers, we will continue our inspecting and monitoring of this vulnerable structure every three months,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “This is exactly why we are moving forward with work on the south end of the viaduct and why we are moving forward with construction of a replacement tunnel in 2011.”

In April 2008, four column foundations between Columbia Street and Yesler Way were strengthened after the columns had settled approximately 5-1/2 inches since the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. One year later, the columns are more stable, and no new settlement was detected in this area.

WSDOT bridge engineers and inspectors monitor the viaduct every three months and conduct full inspections every six months, as has been done since 2001.

2 Replies to "Viaduct inspection results: "Small amount of settlement""

  • Matt March 27, 2009 (2:52 pm)

    This is so disturbing! I mean I am glad that they didn’t find any new cracks or anything, but when are we going to stop sitting around waiting for the viaduct to fall over and do something about it?

  • WSB March 27, 2009 (2:55 pm)

    The tunnel bill is proceeding through the Legislature now; if you want to express support for it, you can contact your State House reps, Rep. Sharon Nelson and Rep. Eileen Cody, whose side of the Legislature will be next to vote on it.
    .
    Follow their links from this page to get contact info:
    http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Results.aspx?District=34

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