WSDOT files lawsuit in SR 99 Tunnel Project

The Washington State Department of Transportation issued the following statement after filing a lawsuit against Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP), the contracting team that’s building the SR 99 Tunnel Project:

WSDOT is committed to working with Seattle Tunnel Partners to complete the SR 99 Tunnel Project.

We are also committed to protecting taxpayers.

Today, WSDOT filed a lawsuit against STP in King County Superior Court. This filing was prompted by recent court filings by STP and their insurance companies. Filing this lawsuit ensures WSDOT will have a right to make legal claims in the future. This lawsuit does not prevent STP from pursuing claims under the terms of the design-build contract.

Taking action to preserve WSDOT’s rights in court was a necessary step. Our focus remains on completing the project, and removing the seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct. We intend to ask for a stay of WSDOT’s lawsuit until the project is completed and asked STP to join us in this request.

This delay in the lawsuit will allow for work on the SR 99 Tunnel Project to be completed before litigation takes place. 

The intent of today’s action is simple: protect the interests of Washington taxpayers.

There will be no further statements on this legal matter.