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Crews begin tearing down Seattle’s Alaskan Way Viaduct

Crews begin work dismantling the Alaskan Way Viaduct, beginning on the southbound Columbia Street on-ramp, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Seattle. The 2.2-mile major thoroughfare built in 1953 along the downtown waterfront was shut down in January and has been replaced by a new tunnel. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
Crews begin work dismantling the Alaskan Way Viaduct, beginning on the southbound Columbia Street on-ramp, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Seattle. The 2.2-mile major thoroughfare built in 1953 along the downtown waterfront was shut down in January and has been replaced by a new tunnel. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
Associated Press

SEATTLE – Crews have begun tearing down Seattle’s double-decker Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Washington transportation officials said Friday afternoon that demolition had started on the former Columbia Street on-ramp and that another crew would begin demolishing a section near the Pike Place Market.

Officials say the bulk of the work should be finished by June 1.

The 2.2-mile major thoroughfare built in 1953 along the downtown waterfront was shut down in January and has been replaced by a new tunnel which opened earlier this month.

The state has installed cameras so people can watch a livestream of the viaduct being dismantled.

Its demolition will be followed by the creation of a new surface street and public downtown waterfront area.