News Release

Greg Nickels, Mayor

Grace Crunican, Director

Contact: Rick Sheridan, (206) 684-8540, richard.sheridan@seattle.gov

For Immediate Release
May 21, 2009

SDOT Assisting with Pier 48 Void

Will inspect nearby city facilities

SEATTLE—Responding to the void this morning at Pier 48, the Seattle Department of Transportation
(SDOT) is working with the property’s owner, the Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT), as an extra precaution to inspect the area and protect public safety.

SDOT is deploying inspectors to examine nearby city facilities, like the adjacent city seawall, public
sidewalk and the waterfront pergola, to ensure that they are not at risk from the condition of the Pier 48
seawall. The immediate area will be blocked off until all inspections are complete and the state and city
have a fuller understanding of the integrity of the Pier 48 seawall. The nearby city seawall was last
inspected as of summer 2008 and is in good condition.

The city will provide as much access through the area for pedestrians, bikes and vehicles as possible. We
will additionally work with waterfront and Pioneer Square businesses and residents to keep them
apprised of the situation.

The Seattle Department of Transportation builds, maintains and operates Seattle's $12 billion
transportation infrastructure. To further Mayor Nickels’ goal to get Seattle moving, the department
manages short- and long-term investments in streets, bridges, pavement and trees, that better connect
the city with the region. ###

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Tel: (206) 684-ROAD (684-7623), Internet address: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation
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