WSDOT Secures $77M Payout Over Seattle Tunnel Delays

SEATTLE — The Supreme Court of Washington this week upheld a multimillion-dollar judgement against Seattle Tunnel Partners related to the multi-year delay in completing Seattle’s downtown tunnel 867 days behind schedule. In 2019, a jury awarded the Washington State Department of Transportation $57.2 million in damages after the state argued taxpayers should not be on the hook for the added costs.

Seattle Tunnel Partners appealed the decision, which the state’s highest court denied Wednesday, tacking on 12 percent interest for a total payout of $77 million.

The massive tunnel boring machine known as “Bertha” stopped functioning shortly after digging work began in 2013, halting the Alaskan Way Viaduct Tunnel project for more than two years while the machine’s cutterhead was removed and rebuilt. After completing the two-mile dig, the tunnel finally opened to traffic in February 2019.

“I’m pleased that the state will be compensated for the delay,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement. “I’d like to extend my thanks to all involved with all aspects of the [Alaskan Way Viaduct] project and especially the legal components in recent years.”

Wednesday’s ruling was the final step in the appeal and WDSOT expects to receive the funds in the next few weeks, officials said Thursday. The state is involved in a separate case against its insurers over repair costs, which is expected to take another one to two years to resolve.