Date:  Friday, October 24, 2008

Contact: Emily Fishkin, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, (206) 267-6821
(Seattle), (206) 437-5061 (cell) Jugesh Kapur, WSDOT State Bridge Engineer, (360) 790-4279 (Olympia)

SEATTLE – 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.

For more information, please visit www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.

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