Crews began demolition of one ramp connected to the aging Seattle viaduct.

Crews did not waste time preparing for the upcoming demolition of Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct.

On Saturday, they began by demolishing the northbound on ramp in SoDo, which gave drivers access to the aging piece of Seattle infrastructure. Hours before, drivers clogged the roadway honking, celebrating, and saying goodbye.

Multiple pieces of machinery chipped away at the concrete, as a crowd gathered to watch.

"Brought my boys down to check it out," said Bridget Charters. "Pretty cool."

"It's amazing, all the re-bar and everything, a lot of dust," said Annie Lacroix. "It's going to be a big project."

But WSDOT officials note - this was not the official start of demolition. They're only taking down the small section for now to make way for ground construction of S. Dearborn St. It's part of the #Realign99 -- connecting the existing highway to the new tunnel.

Still - the noise from the work was deafening.

"Going to be loud for a while, that's for sure," said Lacroix.

Some were happy to see the concrete go - but watching it crumble, Time Time wiped a tear from his eye.

"Since I moved here in 1982, I've been driving through this viaduct every morning and after work," he said. "It's - I'm sorry. I feel like I'm losing someone in my life."

Former Seattle city council member Jan Drago also came to watch.

"It's the beginning of the end for the noisy viaduct that's separated the city from the waterfront for over 50 years," she said.

She called the demolition a "happy day."