Post by Bertie on Jan 17, 2014 13:03:30 GMT -8
The continued problems facing the Alaskan Way Viaduct Tunnel Replacement Project may be nearing resolution. Today the City of Seattle was awarded victory in their suit against Spyder Tech, effectively releasing the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Transportation from any ongoing contracts with Spyder Tech, due to Spyder Tech's failure to adhere to the contract schedule.
The massive tunnel bore was already months behind schedule when it was stopped by an apparent infestation of vermin. The tunnel project has long been plagued by controversy, as it was never approved by general election or referendum, and was selected before environmental impact studies were completed. Spyder Tech gained the contract without the normal period for public bids from other construction firms.
Spyder Tech tried to argue that the recent storm activity and reconstruction in the Seattle area has prevented their efforts to restore the drill and repair damage caused by the infestation. It was ultimately found that the storm only further impacted already existing problems with the project, and that Spyder Tech had made insufficient efforts to get the drill working again even before the storm hit. It is expected that the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Transportation will be opening up public bidding on the contract in a number of weeks.
The massive tunnel bore was already months behind schedule when it was stopped by an apparent infestation of vermin. The tunnel project has long been plagued by controversy, as it was never approved by general election or referendum, and was selected before environmental impact studies were completed. Spyder Tech gained the contract without the normal period for public bids from other construction firms.
Spyder Tech tried to argue that the recent storm activity and reconstruction in the Seattle area has prevented their efforts to restore the drill and repair damage caused by the infestation. It was ultimately found that the storm only further impacted already existing problems with the project, and that Spyder Tech had made insufficient efforts to get the drill working again even before the storm hit. It is expected that the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Transportation will be opening up public bidding on the contract in a number of weeks.