East Link construction progress
Now that East Link construction has been underway for a few months, we wanted to provide an update on progress so far and provide a look ahead for upcoming work.
Construction so far
Since June, Sound Transit's contractor has been focusing on preparing, mobilizing and beginning demolition along I-90. Much of this work is in preparation to seismically retrofit the floating bridge and approach structures in advance of light rail construction. Take a look at some of the recent construction activities:
Crews lower steel anchor caps into the floating bridge pontoons. Each anchor cap weighs 3,500 pounds.
Crews stage bottom support frames inside pontoons. These frames will be installed in the coming months to prepare for additional post tensioning. Each bottom support weighs 1,300 pounds.
Crews install protective casing for utility lines near the future Mercer Island station.
Crews excavate the station area to prepare for utility protection installation.
Drilled shafts have been installed to support station noise walls that will be poured in the coming weeks.
What's next?
Demolition work continues along the floating bridge, in the Mercer Island tunnel and at the station area while seismic retrofit work will begin along the East Channel Bridge. This winter, while work may not be visible on the floating bridge, work will be happening within the pontoons and I-90 tunnels in Seattle and Mercer Island. Construction will become more visible in early 2018 as work on the station platform and both east and west head houses begins.
We want to hear from you!
Now that construction has begun, we'd like to get your feedback on communications and outreach activities. This short survey is your opportunity to provide your feedback and help us plan for 2018.