TBM “MudHoney” Launches on Water Quality Project in Seattle
The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) “MudHoney” has launched in Seattle, Wash. to begin excavation on a 2.7 mile, 18’10” diameter tunnel that when completed, will prevent, on average, up to 75 million gallons of polluted stormwater and sewage from entering the Lake Washington Ship Canal, Salmon Bay, and Lake Union each year.
In April, crews lowered MudHoney into the 107-feet deep, 80-foot diameter shaft in Ballard. Ballard will be home to the western end of the tunnel and above-ground facilities supporting the tunnel. Tunnel boring will start at this site and move toward Fremont and Wallingford. Watch a video of the lowering of MudHoney.
“MudHoney” was selected by the public in a vote to name the TBM and is a nod to one of Seattle's beloved rock bands.
The Ship Canal Water Quality Project is a $570 million project. The Lane Construction Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of the Webuild Group, has a $255 million share of the project. The project is expected to be completed by 2025.
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