Date:  Thursday, May 21, 2009

Contact: KaDeena Lenz, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, (206) 267-3836, (206) 795-1876 (cell)
Victoria Tobin, WSDOT Communications, (206) 464-1184, (206) 375-2412 (cell)

SEATTLE – WSDOT engineers responded to a sink hole that opened up early this morning to the south of the Washington Street Boat Landing on Seattle’s waterfront. The sink hole is approximately three feet by five feet on the surface and is located on state-owned property at Pier 48.

WSDOT secured the site after fire and medical personnel completed the rescue of a man who was standing on the sidewalk where the sink hole formed. “Public safety is our priority,” said Ron Paananen, Deputy Urban Corridors Administrator. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the person who was injured and we are working with the City of Seattle to ensure this area is safe.” WSDOT will begin temporary repairs on Friday.

The area where the sink hole appeared is to the west of the City of Seattle’s seawall in the upland area of Pier 48, which is contained by a metal sheet wall. WSDOT believes, based on an initial visual inspection, that salt water has compromised the sheet wall and washed some of the soil behind it into Elliott Bay. The surface likely collapsed due to a void caused by eroding soil.

Once additional inspections are completed, permanent repairs will be made. This sink hole does not affect the condition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct or the adjacent seawall. The most recent inspection of the viaduct, which was completed in March 2009, found no structural damage or new cracks. The nearby city seawall was last inspected in summer 2008 and is in good condition.

The state purchased Pier 48 from the Port of Seattle in the summer of 2008. The pier will eventually be used for construction staging and parking during replacement of the south end of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. WSDOT plans to demolish the existing building on Pier 48 later this year.

See photos of the sinkhole repair on flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets/72157618545523285/.

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