SEATTLE - The Transportation Department says last weekend's inspection of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle found no new settlement.

Because of previous settlement in the viaduct of nearly five inches in the past six years, the department says it will reinforce several footings in the area between Columbia Street and Yesler Way. Work on the $5 million project will begin in the fall.

The department says the 54-year-old viaduct along the Seattle waterfront continues to show signs of aging and deterioration.

Officials fear it would collapse in a big earthquake. City and state officials have been debating whether to replace it with another elevated highway or a tunnel or improved surface streets.