UPDATE: Settling soil raises more safety questions on Seattle tunnel project

SEATTLE (AP) — There are more problems for the Highway 99 tunnel project beneath downtown Seattle, as engineers study whether settling soil means work should be altered on a pit being dug to reach a stalled digging machine.

The state Department of Transportation said tests over the weekend showed the settling around the pit is uneven.

No differential settling was detected on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, which remains safe for travel, the department said Monday.

State engineers are analyzing the data to make sure the pit, viaduct and nearby buildings are secure.

On Sunday, the state said pumping necessary to reduce water pressure on the pit would be stopped. However on Monday the state said dewatering was continuing.