Sad Milestone: Last Alaskan Way Viaduct Closure This Weekend

SEATTLE, WA - The Alaskan Way Viaduct will close in both directions this weekend for a safety inspection - the last inspection before the viaduct closes forever.

Both directions of the viaduct will close beginning at 9 p.m. Friday from the Battery Street Tunnel to the West Seattle Bridge. The viaduct will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday.

And although it's a little sad that this is the last safety inspection before demolition, it's important to remember why the viaduct being inspected at all: the 2001 Nisqually earthquake damaged the roadway, and although it was repaired, crews have been doing periodic inspections ever since to make sure it's still safe to use.

A three-week closure of the SR 99 through downtown Seattle begins Jan. 11. After that, drivers will use the new tunnel under Seattle and the viaduct will be demolished.

Image via WSDOT