SoDo demolition work signals beginning of end for Viaduct

By Melody Mendez & KOMO Staff

Summary

Construction crews are starting the demolition of two buildings by Qwest Field to make room for equipment to begin the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Story Published: Apr 28, 2009 at 10:38 AM PST

Story Updated: Apr 28, 2009 at 10:38 AM PST

SoDo demolition work signals beginning of end for Viaduct
SEATTLE -- Noisy construction work in Seattle's SoDo district Tuesday morning signaled the beginning of the end for the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Construction crews are starting the demolition of two buildings by Qwest Field. The buildings are along First Avenue, between Royal Brougham Way and S. Dearborn Street.

The land will become a staging area for construction crews and equipment.

"This is really making way for seeing some of the early work on the viaduct happening," said Mark Anderson with the Washington State Dept. of Transportation. "This will really help people get a vision of what's going to be following here."

The project will last through June and work will be going between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

And in some good news for Mariners fans, once the demolition is completed, part of the area will be used for more parking at games and events.