VIADUCT CLOSURE, DAY 3: Tunneling machine picks up speed; changes made for Monday traffic

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | Highway 99 tunnel | West Seattle news

Just in from WSDOT, the update for Alaskan Way Viaduct Closure, Day 3, with tunneling-machine progress and traffic-flow changes:

(Updated map from tunneling-progress page on 99closure.org)

Tunneling progress

Welcome to day three of the #99closure. After a slow and deliberate departure from the planned maintenance stop near Yesler Way, Seattle Tunnel Partners’ tunneling crews picked up speed in accordance with their plan for tunneling under the viaduct. As of 2 p.m. Sunday, Bertha, the SR 99 tunneling machine, had mined 39 feet of the approximately 385 feet of tunnel that must be completed before the viaduct reopens to traffic. STP determines the appropriate rate to mine safely and mining rates will vary as the machine passes underneath the viaduct.

Visit our tracking page to see a map showing Bertha’s progress.

Traffic overview

Expect a more challenging commute Monday since Mondays are a traditionally heavier traffic day than Fridays. Go to our maps and resources page or see our travel alternatives handout to explore options other than driving. WSDOT continues to run a 24-hour-per-day command center with constant, real-time communication taking place with other agencies. And WSDOT’s Transportation Management Center also has extended hours with up to 12 additional Incident Response Teams ready to clear state roads of incidents as quickly as possible.

The Seattle Traffic Operations Center examined Friday’s commute and is adjusting by extending parking restrictions on Fourth Avenue South from peak periods only to all-day restrictions to help transit and traffic flow. In addition, the Seattle Department of Transportation added protected left turn signals at First Avenue South and South Hanford Street as well as First Avenue South and South Holgate Street to improve traffic flow.

SDOT will continue to work with the Seattle Police Department to monitor and adjust signals as necessary to maximize flow.

4th was a major trouble spot on Friday, according to commute reports from commenters during our morning and afternoon/evening coverage. We’ll be starting traffic/transit coverage early again tomorrow, 5 am.

BJG May 1, 2016 (6:16 pm)

One fire truck, one ladder truck, 2 medics and 4 SFD command/response cars just went by at Lincoln Park. Seems bigger response than for 1 kayaker.

WSB May 1, 2016 (6:27 pm)

BJG, any “possible person in trouble” response will be large – they might need enough medics to do CPR, for example. Luckily, not the case here. We’re at the scene and have updated above. One kayaker, out with a friend, got into trouble, is OK. – TR

Lisa May 1, 2016 (7:52 pm)

Perhaps I missed this somewhere but I’m kinda curious as to why WSB no longer refers to the tunneling machine as Bertha when WSDOT still does.

Tim May 1, 2016 (9:10 pm)

Lisa, they dropped he names for all three tunnel machines currently operating in Seattle, due to the negative connotations that Bertha has created for itself. Plus, Bertha was the name of Seattle’s first female mayor, and they didn’t want to drag her through the mud (pun intended).

More here: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/no-more-brenda-and-pamela-sound-transit-nixes-nicknames-for-tunnel-machines/
- WSB May 1, 2016 (9:26 pm)
  
  Hi, I started writing a reply just before we got sidetracked to the unexpected protest-turned-traffic-alert. In short, I have always considered it overly cutesy to give an anthropomorphized nickname to this colossal piece of equipment (regardless of whether it’s tradition or not), and so I’ve been writing “Highway 99 tunneling machine” in most references. (Not all – checking the archives, we have used “Bertha” from time to time.) It’s accurate and clear – since unlike Sound Transit, WSDOT does not have multiple machines in operation, so simply saying “the Highway 99 tunneling machine” doesn’t leave any question of which tunneling machine we’re talking about. – TR

dsa May 1, 2016 (9:09 pm)

In this posting WSDOT defined Bertha, “the SR-99 tunneling machine” WSB did not need to by simply saying tunneling machine.

Sheila G May 1, 2016 (10:17 pm)

Just a question: I don’t see any possible way that one could turn LEFT onto First Avenue South from South Hanford Street. Is it possible that the second actual protected Left Turn Signal is at South Horton Street and First Avenue South?

Sheila G May 1, 2016 (10:21 pm)

Re: previous comment. Just found a small parking lot at S. Hanford & First Ave S. Is the protected Left Turn Signal for that parking lot?

WSB May 1, 2016 (10:23 pm)

SG – I don’t think I will be able to reach anyone tonight to ask. Will try in the am as SDOT is supposed to be revving up early too.

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