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WSDOT: Viaduct demolition more than two-thirds complete

SEATTLE — The Washington State Department of Transportation said the demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct is more than two-thirds complete and is on schedule to be completed by late summer.

Crews from contractor Kiewit are moving their equipment south toward Pioneer Square and should begin tearing down the viaduct near the Colman Dock Ferry Terminal later this week.

The work zone will narrow Alaskan Way to two lanes.   See a map of street closures here.

WSDOT said another crew has already started demolition work on the viaduct around South Dearborn Street. The two crews will work toward each other until they meet.

Demolition crews say the tear-down is one of the most challenging jobs they have ever experienced, according to WSDOT.

The demolition is occurring in a busy area where in some places, the viaduct is very close to buildings. In those locations, crews will lift large saw-cut pieces with cranes.

But in most locations, what WSDOT called “giant munching machines” will tear down the elevated highway.

Officials warn that drivers should expect increased backups during peak drive times around the SR 99 on-ramp and off-ramp at South Dearborn Street. Drivers will still be able to take left and right turns from Alaskan Way into the Colman Dock vehicle holding area at South Jackson Street.

New video released by WSDOT shows what it’s like inside the work zone and why the job is so tough.

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