As reported here, the SR-99 Viaduct 'retrofit' idea is going to get another look see, as the people pushing for a retrofit have come up with a different idea. Their idea would not require the Viaduct to be shut down during the work they propose, but, their idea would only last an estimated 30 years, instead of the 70 to 100 years estimated for a replacement, whether that replacement in a new elevated structure or a tunnel.
The Viaduct was severely damaged in the Nisqually earthquake of 2001, requiring extensive 'band-aid' repairs while the powers that be wrangle over what to do about the problem. It is now 2006, and the powers that be don't expect any work to begin for another two years.
The powers that be are making an assumption that 'Mother Nature' will lay dormant during this time, hoping that another earthquake won't occur before they finally get around to doing something about this disaster waiting to happen, and we all should know what happens when you assume, right?
An earthquake could happen today, and if it did, a lot of the estimated 110,000 vehicles that use the road on a daily basis would be in for a nasty surprise, similar to what happened to the elevated freeway in California that had a catastrophic collapse during one of their earthquakes.
It is not a question of IF there will be another earthquake, but WHEN. We need a solution to this situation NOW that will last for more than 30 years, not more studies.
Note to the powers that be: it is beyond time to fish or cut bait. Doing another study does not get us closer to a solution.
No comments:
Post a Comment