The Alaskan Way Viaduct has reopened several days early after Washington State Department of Transportation determined the ground remains stable while Bertha tunneled below the surface.
The closure began late on April 28 and was expected to take about two weeks. WSDOT reopened the Viaduct Sunday night.
By Friday, the machine had successfully tunneled through complex soils only 15 feet below the viaduct’s foundation – the closest the machine will come to any structure at any point in its drive beneath Seattle. On Sunday, STP completed installation of the rings beneath this critical location, clearing the way for the final inspection and the early opening of the highway. WSDOT’s 24-hour command center will remain open until the machine has successfully tunneled 385 feet, the distance at which it will be completely clear of the viaduct.
