People take one final drive on viaduct's last day

SEATTLE — On the Alaskan Way Viaduct's last day, memories flowed along with the traffic.

"I just wanted to get the one last look at Seattle as we know it," said Tessa Tenborg, who came to an overlook to take pictures.

Chris Randall planned to raise a toast and take another drive.

"I think I'm going to hop in the car and go down and back just for one last time," he said.

So many people took one last drive, the Washington State Department of Transportation had a special message.

"If you want to take one more drive down memory lane, do it early. Do it early this evening. Don't wait until 10:00 p.m.," said David Sowers, of WSDOT.

State troopers planned to enforce the closure at 10 p.m. Friday, making sure people don't linger on the roadway longer than they should.

"Our crews have a lot of work to do in the next three weeks," Sowers said.

Contractors plan to work around the clock as they realign State Route 99 from the viaduct to the new tunnel.

An epic traffic headache begins with Monday's commute.

Is Seattle ready?

"We are as ready as we can be," said Mayor Jenny Durkan. "And Seattle being ready doesn't just mean the government. It's gotta be everybody who lives in Seattle, who works in Seattle or is trying to get through Seattle. We are all in this together."

Durkan was in full nostalgia mode Friday night after having just taken her final drive on the viaduct.

"I think people will miss it in many ways, but once it's done, once we're through it, it's going to be spectacular," Durkan said, referring to the remade waterfront once the roadway is removed.

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