Crews find more viaduct settlement, cracks; roadway still safe, WSDOT says

SEATTLE -- Inspection crews have discovered two new cracks on Alaskan Way Viaduct columns, along with additional settlement of the beleaguered roadway, the Washington State Department of Transportation reported.

The viaduct sank an additional 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch near Seneca Street, WSDOT said. Additionally, crews note two new cracks on columns near Yesler Way.

Despite additional settlement and new cracks, the WSDOT insists the viaduct remains safe for everyday use.

"It is important to note that not all settlement is significant," WSDOT officials wrote.

The settlement was discovered as part of routine inspection on March 28 as work continue to replace the viaduct with a tunnel. Additional measurements of sinkage surrounding area businesses and buildings was not released.

The WSDOT also released a report that evaluated the $3.1 billion tunnel project. The Expert Review Panel's April report says they continue to be confident that the project will be completed. They also said there doesn't appear to be a need for more state or local funds on top of the project's allocated budget.