80 feet below at the Capitol Hill station site the area that will welcome Togo and Balto from their tunneling journeys. 

  

View looking into a recently constructed cross-passage between the northbound and southbound passages. 

For more information on the Capitol Hill Station, please contact
Rhonda Dixon at 206-370-5569 or rhonda.dixon@soundtransit.org

For more information on the University of Washington Station, please contact
Wilbert Santos at 206-370-5516 or wilbert.santos@soundtransit.org

For more information on the University Link project, please contact
Jennifer Lemus at 206-398-5314 or jennifer.lemus@soundtransit.org

In this issue:

• Tunnel Boring Machines Progress
• Togo and Balto are Nearing Completion
• Business Mitigation Update - Let's do lunch
• STart Update
• Construction at a Glance

University Link Tunnel Boring Machine Progress
Work continues this winter on the University Link light rail tunnels. The tunnel boring machines, nicknamed Togo, Balto, and Brenda, are scheduled to finish digging the tunnels later this year. However, tunnel construction work continues for several months after the machines arrive at their destinations, because of the need to build "cross-passages" that connect the southbound tunnel to the northbound tunnel, and install concrete floors, emergency walkways, and utility conduits.

Check out the article below for some exciting news about Togo and Balto.

Togo and Balto are Nearing Completion 
As you can see from chart above, Togo and Balto are approaching their final destinations. In fact, one of the boring machines broke a record by mining over 100 feet in one day! In mid-March Togo, the machine digging the southbound tunnel from University of Washington to Capitol Hill, will hole through at Capitol Hill Station. (See the photo on the left as contractors prepare the site for his arrival). Balto, Togo's partner, will arrive about one month later.

As the TBMs make their final push to the station at Broadway and John, It is possible that construction vibration may be noticeable above the alignment. If you have concerns about the tunnel construction or questions about noise, please contact Sound Transit's 24-hour construction hotline at 1-888-298-2395.

Business Mitigation Update 
Let's Do Lunch

Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce and Sound Transit provide an opportunity to address the needs of retail businesses and restaurants during construction of the Capitol Hill light rail station. In 2012, Capitol Hill business owners are invited to programs on a variety of educational and engaging topics while enjoying a gourmet lunch provided by Seattle Central Community College's award-winning Seattle Culinary Academy.

The Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce and Sound Transit invite you to learn about consumer protection for businesses.

Learn to protect your business from being targeted for electronic fraud and data theft:

• Electronic security issues for businesses
• Scams targeting businesses
• Data and personal information security
• Preventing data theft.

Paul Corning, statewide manager for education and outreach in the Consumer Protection Division of the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, will speak. He previously served as Director of Consumer Affairs, and since 1993 has been Administrator of Washington's successful Lemon Law program.

Mr. Corning will speak during next month's Restaurant, Retailing, & Business Luncheon on Wednesday, March 14 from11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Seattle Central Community College in the Edison Building (Banquet room next to One World Dining).

Space is limited to 25 participants. Please RSVP by March 9; jennifer.lemus@soundtransit.org or (206) 398-5314.

YourCapitolHill.com

Check out the stats for social media marketing!

This month, YCH.com Facebook and Twitter followers continued to grow at a steady rate. People are discussing our topics and our involvement in the community. We received multiple chat messages through our Facebook profile asking for promotion of events from activism to community sales.

Have you signed your business up on yourcaptiolhill.com? It's an excellent opportunity to connect with your customers and market your business. Did we mention it's absolutely FREE? It's quick and easy and the folks at Dumb Eyes can help get you started. Go to yourcapitolhill.com or email info@yourcapitolhill.com and sign up now!

STart – Red Wall Update

STart -Sound Transit art program, Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement Area (BIA), and the Cal Anderson Park Alliance (CAPA) are planning a dedication ceremony for a portrait of Cal Anderson by artist Kelly Lyles. Cal Anderson was a beloved Senator and activist who fought tirelessly for gay rights, campaign reform, and easier access to government. In 2003, Cal Anderson Park was named in his honor. This portrait will be placed on the Sound Transit red construction wall, park side. More details to follow in next month's newsletter or online at www.soundtransit.org.

Construction at a glance