[Wheeling] Wheeling Tunnel news

[seicer]

Tunnel sits under old coal mine

No worries, its not structurally related. Leaks are causing the tiles not to stick to the prepped surface.

Article information: "Tunnel Sits Under Old Coal Mine, By FRED CONNORS, 3/16/2007, Intelligencer [Wheeling]"

[seicer]

Tunnel Work to Miss Deadline

Key: The renovation project is over budget and will not be completed on-time. The project is $400,000 over and could reach $1 million before it is all said and done.

Article information:: "Tunnel Work to Miss Deadline, By FRED CONNORS, 3/13/2007, Intelligencer [Wheeling]"

[seicer]

http://Westbound%20Tube%20Work%20Set%20for%20

[seicer]

Westbound Work May Be Moved Up

Key --

1. The $5.7 million renovation project called for eastbound work to be completed in 2007, with the westbound tube closed in 2008 and be finished in 107 days. The original completion date would be May 16, 2008.

2. Problems on the eastern tube, due to the patching cement not bonding because of the very cold temperatures, caused major delays.

3. Westbound tunnel work may be started immediately, rather than waiting until January.

Article information: "Westbound Work May Be Moved Up, By FRED CONNORS, Wheeling News-Register, 4/16/2007"

[seicer]

Tunnel Goes Canadian

Notes --

1. A Canadian expert in tunnel repair has been called on by WVDOH to assess problems with the Wheeling Tunnel renovation project. An issue with materials is slowing one phase of the restoration.

2. Work on the eastbound tube began January 17 with an estimated completion date of May 8. As the job for interior demolition progressed, however, the contractor found more deterioration than was expected.

2a. The amount of deterioration increased because the original plans and specifications for the project were constructed ~four years ago and did not take into account the continuing deterioration.

2b. Patching concrete was also not bonding to some tunnel walls as well. Crews injected an epoxy-based adhesive into the cracks in the concrete base of the walls, but water continued to infiltrate the tunnel. This has been blamed partially on an abandoned coal mine 50 ft. above the tunnel.

3. The extra demolition and other issues have pushed the project from its original price tag of $5.7 million to $400,000-$1 million over budget.

4. The original 111-day completion schedule was "not realistic" -- and it could be as much as 60 days behind schedule.

Article information: "Tunnel Goes Canadian, By FRED CONNORS, Wheeling News-Register, 4/28/2007"

[seicer]

Light Dim at End Of Tunnel Project

Notes --

1. Today is Day 111, the projected completion date for work on the eastbound tube of the Wheeling Tunnel. It is still "nowhere near complete." A more realistic completion date may be the end of July.

1a. The eastbound tube was closed January 17. It was originally to be closed for 107 days, then 111...

1b. Work on the westbound tube may begin as soon as the eastbound tube is complete.

2. Work has continued on rebuilding the drains at the tunnel entrance, and work has been completed on the rebuilding of an equipment hatch leading to the fan rooms.

2a. Painters finished phase one of their work last week, and crews have also finished pouring concrete for new catch basins and sidewalks.

2b. Work is ongoing on electrical system upgrades.

3. The original job was expected to cost $5.7 million, but another million is needed.

4. Both tubes should be reopened by May 16, 2008.

Article information: "Light Dim at End Of Tunnel Project, By FRED CONNORS, Wheeling News-Register, 5/9/2007"

[seicer]

Tunnel Work Halted for Bonding Test

Notes --

1. Work has been halted on the Wheeling Tunnel while a new bonding concrete is being tested on the walls. The tests will reveal if the new material is suitable for the task. The bond must cure for seven days before tests are conducted.

2. Engineers from WVDOH, Velotta Company, and Concrete Restoration Specialists came to the site Monday (May 21) as the new material was sprayed on test areas on the east end of the eastbound tube.

3. If it cures properly, the new Silica Fume modified concrete will replace a latex product that was used previously on the tunnel. The latex product failed to bond properly and caused a major delay in the tunnel renovation project. Silica Fume is an additive that improves the properties of concrete, including compression and bonding strength and durability. The latex material can fail if water intrudes onto the surface.

Article information: "Tunnel Work Halted for Bonding Test, By FRED CONNORS, Wheeling News-Register, 5/22/2007"