March 7 project update: Demonstration period complete, mining continues

Posted on Mar 7 2016 12:15 PM

WSDOT on Monday notified Seattle Tunnel Partners that they could continue mining to a planned maintenance stop near Yesler Way. The notification came as STP completed the 25-ring demonstration period that was put in place when mining resumed on Feb. 23.

The underground maintenance stop is approximately 120 feet north of the tunneling machine’s current location near South Washington Street. The machine has traveled a total of 1,437 feet and the bored section of the SR 99 tunnel is now 15 percent complete.

STP will continue to operate using the changes and commitments that were put into effect during the conditional lift.

Barging still suspended

While mining is ongoing, barging activities are still restricted pending submittal of additional documentation. STP is removing excavated soil by truck as they continue addressing the barging issue. Repairs to the pier that was damaged during the Jan. 12 barging incident were completed last month.

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