Date:
Friday, April 02, 2010
Contact:
Travis Phelps, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-6004; 206-462-0554 (cell)
Kristy Van Ness, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-382-6361; 206-300-4312 (cell)
SEATTLE – Data gathered by WSDOT bridge inspection crews during last weekend’s closure of the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct reveals no new settlement or structural damage. “We are still moving forward to replace this vulnerable structure,” said Ron Paananen, WSDOT’s Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program Administrator. “This summer, we will begin major construction to replace the southern mile of the viaduct between S. Holgate and S. King streets.”
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.
- 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.
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. WSDOT crews conduct inspections every three months to monitor the viaduct’s condition and keep drivers safe.
This summer, crews will begin work to replace the viaduct between S. Holgate and S. King streets with a new side-by-side roadway that has wider lanes, meets current earthquake standards and improves mobility for people and goods in the south of downtown area.
WSDOT inspected 1,864 state and local agency-owned bridges in 2009. This year, we are scheduled to inspect 1,963 bridges, including 67 underwater bridge inspections performed by WSDOT’s specialized bridge inspection dive team.
For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement program, visit http://www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.
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