SEATTLE — The Alaskan Way Viaduct has sunk nearly half an inch at one location where a machine has been boring a highway tunnel under downtown Seattle.
The state Transportation Department said Tuesday the sinking by four-tenths of an inch is within safety limits and had been anticipated during construction. The department says the viaduct was strengthened and monitors were installed to measure how much the viaduct moves.
Officials say the viaduct remains safe for everyday use, but it could collapse during an earthquake. That’s why it’s being replaced by the new tunnel to carry Highway 99 traffic.
However, tunneling has been stalled since early December because of a mechanical problem with the machine called Bertha. The department expects to know later this week how long repairs will take and when tunneling may resume.
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