The Harborview Bond Program will continue the geotechnical work on the northwest side of the Harborview Medical Center campus September 2-6, 2025. Engineers will take soil samples to analysis to ensure the future tower construction meets safety and environmental regulation and disaster preparedness protocols (in case of earthquakes, flooding, or other unexpected events).
The work will occur between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. near the intersection of Jefferson Street and 8th Avenue between Jefferson Terrace residences and the West Hospital.
The drilling will create intermittent noise and vibrations, and periodic pedestrian and traffic interruptions.
Engineers from Haley & Aldrich will drill holes, known as borings, in the ground on the northwest side of the hospital campus. Through these borings, engineers will study the soil, ground density, and groundwater conditions on the site that will serve as the foundation for the new inpatient medical tower and loop road. The borings will extend approximately 40 to 180 feet, about the length of one to five full-sized school buses. The borings need to be this deep to get below the proposed foundation level of the new tower, which will be deeper than any other building on campus.
Engineers will use a large geotechnical drill rig with a mast height of about 32 feet. While drilling, engineers will hammer a small steel tube into the ground and collect soil samples every 5 to 10 feet. Engineers will send the samples to a laboratory for review and testing.
Once drilling is complete, engineers will install monitoring wells to measure groundwater levels, which fluctuate throughout the year.
Have questions or feedback?
Email HarborviewBondProject@KingCounty.gov with subject line – “Soil drilling inquiry” or by call 206-305-8070.
