Coming soon: Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition open houses

Posted on Jul 31 2017 2:52 PM

Demolition of the viaduct now in sight



With tunnel boring complete, we’re deep in the planning stages for demolition of Seattle’s Alaskan Way Viaduct. On Thursday, we’ll launch an online open house to show what’s ahead and give the public a chance to comment on the work to come.

Removing the seismically vulnerable viaduct will be the most visible change to Seattle’s waterfront in decades. The demolition work begins after the new State Route 99 tunnel opens, which is estimated for early 2019.

WSDOT has successfully completed this type of work before. In 2011, we demolished the viaduct’s southern mile and built a new road in its place. However, the remaining section of the viaduct is more challenging, as it is much closer to buildings, businesses, homes and the busy Colman Dock ferry terminal.

Demolition is expected to take up to nine months, with the viaduct being demolished in sections to minimize localized disruptions. This contract will also involve other project elements, like filling in the Battery Street Tunnel and reconnecting several surface streets across Aurora Avenue North, which will take additional time.

Several weeks before the new tunnel opens, WSDOT will shift Alaskan Way to the west of the viaduct, which will allow traffic to move along the waterfront before and during viaduct demolition. This new video below explains some of the planning for the demolition.

Online open house

The online open house will be live from August 3 - 14.

In-person open house

WSDOT is also hosting an in-person open house on August 10 for anyone interested in the work or who wants to speak with project staff. Representatives from Waterfront Seattle, Center City Connector Streetcar, Colman Dock, King County Metro, One Center City and Seattle Aquarium will also be available to answer questions.

In-person open house details:

Date: Thursday, August 10

Time: 5 to 8 p.m. (walk-in style, no formal presentation)

Where: Waterfront Space, 1400 Western Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

WSDOT is committed to providing equal access to its facilities, programs and services for persons with disabilities. To request disability accommodations for the Aug. 10 open house event, email the ADA Office at least 7 days in advance at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or call toll-free 1-855-362-4ADA (232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.