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Bertha looks like a tunneling machine again

The tunneling contractor, Seattle Tunnel Partners, has lowered three large pieces of Bertha's front shield into the access pit to be reassembled. (Washington State Department of Transportation)

Bertha, the world’s largest tunneling machine currently stuck below Seattle’s waterfront, has her winter coat.

The tunneling contractor, Seattle Tunnel Partners, has lowered three large pieces of the machine’s front shield into the access pit to be reassembled.

A massive crane lowered two 98-ton pieces into the pit last week. On Friday, the 278-ton middle shield was lowered.

Crews will begin reassembling Bertha’s shields and then conduct testing before she can begin drilling.

The tunneling machine hasn’t actually moved since December 2013. Repairs began in March. Seattle Tunnel Partners said in July it expects to fire Bertha back up on Nov. 23.

Bertha is only one-tenth of the way into completing the 1.7-mile tunnel.

About the Author

Stephanie Klein

Stephanie joined the MyNorthwest.com team in February 2008. She has built the site into a two-time National Edward R. Murrow Award winner (Best Radio Website 2010, 2012).

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