Supertunnel Journey from light to light is a photojournalistic book documenting the building of the State Route 99 deep bore tunnel in Seattle, Washington—a historical transportation megaproject. 'Bertha' was the largest-diameter Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machine at the time of delivery, and this project is the largest-diameter completed tunnel to-date.

The underground drive ran beneath the downtown of Seattle for approximately two miles. This project provided the city with an new safe route, replacing the 65-year-old Alaskan Way Viaduct. The Viaduct was a major highway but was damaged during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake and deemed unsafe should future earthquakes occur.

Though intended to be completed in two years, the endeavor was complicated as the TBM suddenly halted shortly after starting her journey, due to overheating and damage to the machine. The TBM was rescued from 120 feet below ground, via an Access Shaft. Once repaired, returned underground, and tested, it continued its route until reaching the final exit zone at the North Portal near the Seattle Center complex, on April 4, 2017. Governor Jay Inslee and other officials inaugurated the new SR 99 tunnel with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 2, 2019.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct, a city fixture for 65 years, was demolished over the summer of 2019. Now the waterfront was unobstructed and plans for the renovation of the area commenced.

Catherine Bassetti was the official on site photographer for the project. This book covers all aspects of this Project from 2014-2019, including six work zones, all major events and milestones. Also included are interviews with both key personnel and crew members of many trades. It includes narratives from the Labor Union workforce that participated in all facets of the drive and construction.

This book includes photographs of high quality and unique coverage following both the building of this high profile underground tunnel and the human stories of those who ultimately made it a success. This is a hardcover coffee table-type First Edition with dust jacket in full color. Concept, design, and photographs by the author, Catherine Bassetti.

About the Author: Catherine Bassetti was born in Seattle and grew up in the eastern foothills overlooking the city. Catherine's interest in photography began at age 19, filming her adventures while traveling by train as a performer for the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. This evolved into a lifetime devotion to the craft.

At Antioch College, a study-abroad opportunity took her to Madrid, Spain, where her career began in earnest as a photographer. Over the next 15 years in Europe, she worked in commercial fashion, advertising, and photojournalism.

Returning to the Northwest, she added Graphic Design to her repertoire and opened her photography business for corporate, public, and private clientele. Documenting Seattle’s new tunnel was, in a small way, her own contribution to the city where her parents and grandparents were part of Seattle’s early growth and development.