No new cracks, no new settlement. That’s the bottom line to last weekend’s Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection, WSDOT says today. Here’s the long version:

The official WSDOT news release:

New survey data reveals no new settlement or structural damage on the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge inspection crew closed the Alaskan Way Viaduct on Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20 to thoroughly inspect for any signs of change.

“While we didn’t find any new cracks or settlement, data collected the past nine years shows the viaduct continues to sink and shift,” said Ron Paananen, WSDOT’s Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program administrator. “We remain focused on our aggressive schedule for replacing the viaduct, with demolition of the structure’s southern mile now less than a year away.”

WSDOT completed temporary repairs in April 2008 to one of the viaduct’s weakest sections, between Columbia Street and Yesler Way, where columns settled approximately 5.5 inches.

Crews continue inspections every three months to monitor the viaduct’s condition and keep drivers safe.

In addition to measuring existing cracks and settlement of the viaduct, the closure allowed WSDOT and city of Seattle crews to take care of a few regular maintenance items, including:

· Searching for and removing loose concrete.

· Repairing expansion joints and damaged bridge rails.

· Applying a protective covering to exposed rebar.

· Servicing drainage systems and traffic cameras.

· Washing the walls of the Battery Street Tunnel and inspecting its lighting and ventilation systems.

· Restriping the roadway.

Last weekend, crews also conducted a series of tests for the new automated viaduct closure system. The system consists of nine traffic gates, similar to railroad crossing gates, controlled by earthquake sensors. The new system will be fully operational in April.