Look what the hellmouth hath wrought! Seattle Tunnel Partners has told the Washington State Department of Transportation that it's prepared to lift out a part of Bertha's front end as early as Wednesday in order to repair the machine.
So, here's what that entails: STP has to lift three pieces of Bertha's shield out by crane before it can lift the cutterhead and driving unit. The first piece it lifts will be the 270-ton top part of the shield, after which the three other pieces will follow—but we don't know when.
If STP looks back into the hole while trying to rescue her, will Bertha have to stay with Hades forever and ever?
We'll be attending the first lift media event this week.