Demolition on the Alaskan Way Viaduct Begins
Now that drivers are safely traversing the new SR-99 tunnel, the Washington State Department of Transportation is preparing to demolish the Alaskan Way Viaduct, the first in many steps toward revitalizing the city’s waterfront. As GeekWire reports, WSDOT has now released “an extensive online overview of what to expect from the removal of the old highway above ground — a process that should take about six months.”
YOUR ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT AND HIGHWAY 99 TUNNEL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The project is set to be completed in three phases. The first will remove the Alaskan Way Viaduct, the second will fill the Battery Street Tunnel, and the third will involve constructing the connecting streets on the north surface along Aurora Avenue. The Battery Street Tunnel will be filled in with materials along the south entrance and through the grates above.
A construction camera page established for SR-99 shows three views for those that want to watch the action live. WSDOT is also keeping everyone up-to-date with a tracker that will be updated every week and may be viewed here.
Moving forward, this area will be repurposed to be a new Waterfront Park and the anticipated Overlook Walk is scheduled to be complete in 2022.
See article and videos regarding -> SEATTLE WATERFRONT PROJECT UPDATE
Want to know more about what to expect with the new waterfront? The mayor recently revealed details for the complete makeover at the water’s edge: