Seattle City Council getting Bertha update on Monday

SEATTLE (AP) _ The Seattle City Council expects to learn more Monday about the extent of problems from the attempt to repair the machine that broke down while boring a highway tunnel under the city.

State Transportation Department officials are briefing the council about cracks in streets and buildings and settling by buildings in the Pioneer Square area near the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Officials believe the cracks and settling may have been caused by pumping out groundwater as crews dig a pit to reach and repair the stalled boring machine known as Bertha.

The council wants to know about contingency plans to shut down the viaduct while the tunnel that would carry Highway 99 is far from finished.