The state highway department close the Alaskan Way Viaduct on Oct. 18-19 as part of a semiannual inspection of the structure.

Since the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, bridge engineers and inspectors have kept a close eye on the viaduct by monitoring its condition every three months and conducting full inspections every six months to measure any substantial damage or movement.

As part of the inspection, crews from the state transportation department's Bridge Preservation Office will use a bucket truck to check crack monitors for any new structural damage. State and city maintenance crews will repair guardrails, bridge rails and expansion joints, service drainage systems and traffic cameras, and conduct other routine maintenance. During the closure, crews will also perform preventive maintenance on fire and ventilation safety systems in the Battery Street Tunnel.

Crews will close both directions of the Alaskan Way Viaduct from the Battery Street Tunnel to Spokane Street for the inspection. Crews will close the viaduct from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

The Battery Street Tunnel will remain closed overnight on Saturday, Oct. 18 to perform additional survey work in preparation for construction next year. For more information about upcoming construction work on the Battery Street Tunnel, visit our Web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Viaduct/northend.htm