The demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct has reached an important point as the work begins on the double decker section near the Colman Dock Ferry Terminal.
information from WSDOT
With Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition wrapping up along Seattle’s central waterfront, demolition contractor Kiewit is turning its attention south to Pioneer Square. Yesterday, crews established a work zone around Yesler Way, across from the Colman Dock ferry terminal (see a map of street closures). They will soon begin demolishing the viaduct and working their way south. Meanwhile, another crew has already begun working on the viaduct around South Dearborn Street.
The two crews will work toward each other and meet in the middle. In some places the viaduct sits extremely close to nearby buildings. In those tight locations, demolition teams will saw-cut the structure and lift large pieces with cranes. In most locations, giant munching machines will demolish the structure as they have done farther north along the central waterfront.
It’s a large and challenging undertaking, one of the toughest jobs these seasoned crews have ever experienced. This new video takes you inside the work zone for a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to tear down the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
If you are traveling through the area this summer, expect lane reductions and closed roads around the work zone. To give crews space to work and keep the traveling public safely away from the demolition work, Alaskan Way will be narrowed to two lanes and cross-streets closed beneath the viaduct. Drivers should expect increased congestion during heavy driving times around the SR 99 on-ramp and off-ramp at South Dearborn Street. Vehicles will continue to be able to take left and right turns from Alaskan Way into the Colman Dock vehicle holding area at South Jackson Street.
