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Alaskan Way Viaduct reopens early
Q13 News This Morning
SEATTLE -- After 10 days, the Alaskan Way Viaduct has reopened several days ahead of schedule and in time for the Monday morning commute.
The projected reopening date was originally May 13.
The closure began on April 29 when the tunnel boring machine known as Bertha began its 385 foot journey underneath the viaduct.
Without traffic, crews were able to precisely monitor the structure and the ground for any movement during drilling work.
The project had widespread traffic ramifications around the region.
On Sunday afternoon, WSDOT announced Bertha cleared her biggest hurdle early.
Transportation officials praised the quick work and are relieved to ease the increased traffic congestion that has plagued the region since the closure began.
“Removing traffic from the viaduct was critical to the success of this work, but we don’t want the closure to last a moment longer than it needs to,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Roger Millar.
The closure was scheduled to continue until Bertha drilled 385 feet, but engineers are confident in the stability of the ground and the structure after the machine cleared the viaduct at 312 feet.
WSDOT
WSDOT says a thorough inspection was completed on Sunday.
Around 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, cars were moving again on the viaduct.