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Bridge-builder's contract extended
Bridge-builder Tacoma Narrows Constructors (TNC) will receive a force majeure extension to its schedule of working days to complete the project. Force majeure or 'excusable delay' is a contractural term; it refers to events beyond a contractor's control, and, that ultimately, affect a project schedule. Commonly, a force majeure clause is included in WSDOT contracts and encompasses such events as war, terriorist attacks, unusual weather, earthquakes, public riots, etc.
Opening celebration: Summer 2007
Plans are being made for a public opening to occur on the bridge deck. The modest, one-day celebration likely will occur at the end of July or early August. Much of the remaining work - paving the deck and painting - is dependent upon good weather. At this stage, bridge builder Tacoma Narrows Constructors is unable to set a firm date. While the date may be in limbo, the event's objective is clear: To provide people with the opportunity to walk across the 5,400 foot deck before it opens to traffic, and to honor the men and women who built the suspension bridge and contributed to the project’s overall success.
Hosting what amounts to a public open house on the bridge is an awesome undertaking. Foremost in the planning efforts is the safety and security of persons who will attend the opening. Organizers already have begun discussions with the Washington State Patrol, Tacoma Police, Pierce County, and others to develop an interagency safety plan. A transportation plan is in the works, too. Express bus service will be provided from satellite parking lots on either side of the Narrows to the bridge. In the coming months, watch for more details about the opening.
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Construction Update
Week of July 2
Between now and bridge opening, crews will:
- Install luminaires (street lights) on the bridge
- Continue installing utilities under the bridge deck
- Continue applying a pigmented sealer on the tower legs
- Pouring concrete housings for the bridge's two splay chambers
- Pouring concrete connections between the expansion joints and their respective anchorages
- Continue painting suspender cables and deck joints
- Conduct routine inspections of the bridge
- Install many signs for bridge and toll operations as far west as Gorst
- Install pedestrian railing along the south side of the bridge.
Updated 07/03/07 2:30 p.m.
TNB construction news is updated Monday
morning, Friday afternoon and otherwise when needed.
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