Seattle Waterfront Redevelopment

Michels Construction, Inc. installed 25 drilled shafts to support future structures included in the Seattle waterfront restoration project, including a pedestrian bridge, overpass, and overlook structure connecting Pike Place Market to the waterfront area. The diameter of the shafts ranged from 1.2 meters (3.9 feet), 2 meters (6.5 feet), 2.8 meters (9.2 feet) to 3 meters (9.8 feet).

The final shafts were drilled and poured on a sheer cliff, which posed a challenge due to sloughing during drilling. Michels drilled slowly to prevent any large loss of material and used a sonotube to pour one shaft to eliminate material sloughing below the construction joint elevation.

Replacement of the double-deck Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project was the catalyst for a large-scale redevelopment plan focused on strengthening the area’s cultural and economic vitality.