Watch: WSDOT continues work to fully demolish Alaskan Way Viaduct
May 28, 2019, 3:41 PM | Updated: 4:50 pm
The demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct continues, marked by the release of another time lapse video from the Washington State Department of Transportation, detailing the “several”-day removal of two spans in May.
WATCH: WSDOT fills Battery tunnel with remains of viaduct
In the video, we can see crews hammering away at the viaduct roadway piece by piece. Down on the ground level, machines grind the remains into concrete and rubble, while nearby buildings are protected by nets on cranes.
Crews continually sprayed the area with water to keep dust under control, until there was nothing left of the spans but rubble and rebar.
Work to demolish and remove the viaduct has been completed at the northernmost end, as well as in a short stretch near the railroad tracks near Pike Place Market, and along the central waterfront between Madison and Marion Street. Most of the central section of the viaduct has yet to be completed, as well as the southernmost portion.
That central section has proven problematic for businesses in the area.
Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition hits delays in central core
Ivar’s president Bob Donegan recently told The Seattle Times that the demolition process for the large, central section will likely take until June 22, weeks later than the original June 1 target date set by Kiewit Infrastructure West.
“It’s disappointing, that when someone gives you a commitment and doesn’t fulfill it, especially in our busiest period during the summer,” Donegan told the Times.
In February, crews estimated that the removal of each deck section would take 0.6 days. In reality, it’s taken between 1.3 and 1.7 days.
You can follow the full progress of the demolition here.
