University of Washington Station constructionLatest News
Web cam
Are you curious to see what is going on behind the UW Station construction wall? . Click here to access the web cameras >>>
Over the next several years, Sound Transit will excavate the site for the underground light rail station and launch the tunnel boring machines that will dig the tunnels between UW and Capitol Hill. A few of the major tasks are highlighted below:
Utility relocation and temporary buildings
Completed summer 2009
Early U-Link construction activities began in February 2009 with the relocation of utilities and new concession stands near Husky Stadium, including new storm drains under the parking lot south of the stadium, new water, power and communications lines in the landscaped area southwest of the stadium and demolition of two small ticket office, concession and restroom buildings.
This work was completed in the summer of 2009.
Excavation and Tunneling
January 2010 - Mid 2013
During this phase the contractor will grade the construction site to make it level, and begin digging out the area for the station. The excavation for the station and crossover tracks is approximately 800 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 120 feet deep.
All of that dirt (also known as spoils) will need to be hauled away in trucks. The trucks will travel along the haul route identified by the City of Seattle - south on Montlake, over the bridge, onto SR520, and off to the final disposal site (determined by the contractor).
In order to minimize the traffic impact of the trucks hauling away dirt, the trucks are not allowed to operate on Montlake Boulevard between 7-10 and 3-7 pm. Because of these restrictions, much of the truck hauling will happen during the nighttime hours.
Tunnel Boring Machines
Once the excavation reaches the bottom of the station (approx. 120 feet), it's time to begin digging the two tunnels to Capitol Hill. Two tunnel boring machines will be launched from the bottom of the station excavation about 1 month apart. The TBM's will excavate an average of approximately 44 to 50 feet of tunnel per day. As they travel through the earth, the TBM's also place the concrete rings that form the exterior structure of the tunnel. Dirt from the excavation travels through the machine and onto a conveyance system which brings it back out to the surface to be hauled away.
For safety reasons, the tunneling operations must continue around the clock. Sound Transit has applied for a variance from the nighttime noise restrictions in order to continue operating the tunnel boring machine and the associated topside support equipment at night. A Technical Noise Variance (TNV) for the 24 month period for such work as approved by the City of Seattle in August, 2010.
The TNV allows the contractor to work during the nighttime hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. on weekends and legal holidays.
or more information about the noise ordinance and variance process, please visit the City of Seattle Web site.
Station Construction
2011 - 2014
After the tunnel boring machines get underway, a second contractor will join the tunneling contractor to begin construction of the station (which includes completion of the station box excavation, floors, stairs, mezzanines, elevators, etc.) and the above ground entrance to the station.
Landscaping
As the station construction draws to an end, the contractor will restore the trees, shrubs, lighting and other landscaping around the station. Sound Transit will plant over 200 new trees adjacent to Husky Stadium.
Learn more
U-Link Library
Images, maps, video
and presentations
See them here >>
Project Contacts
Wilbert Santos
Community Outreach Coordinator
University Link
206/370-5516 desk
wilbert.santos@soundtransit.org
Andy Casillas
Project Manager
University of Washington Capitol Projects Office
University Facilities Building
Box 352205
Seattle, Washington 98195-2205
(206) 685-9055
casillas@u.washington.edu
Submit Project Feedback
|
