Photo: Joshua Trujillo, Seattlepi.com
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Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews will close a section of state Route 99 from South Spokane Street to the north end of the Battery Street tunnel.
Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews will close a section of state Route 99 from South Spokane Street to the north end of the Battery Street tunnel.
Photo: Joshua Trujillo, Seattlepi.com
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Alaskan Way was once the main arterial along Seattle's busy waterfront (though part of it was originally Railroad Avenue). But by the 1950s it and other city streets were clogged with traffic, and city leaders had settled on building the viaduct to let drivers skirt the busy downtown streets. The viaduct first opened in 1953 and by the end of the 20th century, the raised portion of state Route 99 was carrying 110,000 cars per day through the city. 

Now, part of it has already been torn down and the rest will follow once the tunnel to replace it is completed. But before we say goodbye to a piece of Seattle's skyline, look back at the viaduct over the years, from before its inception to its demolition.

Caption: Alaskan Way prior to construction of of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Exact date unknown. less
Alaskan Way was once the main arterial along Seattle's busy waterfront (though part of it was originally Railroad Avenue). But by the 1950s it and other city streets were clogged with traffic, and city leaders
... more
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way, Aug. 19, 1948, less than five years before completion of the viaduct.
Alaskan Way, Aug. 19, 1948, less than five years before completion of the viaduct.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way, Aug. 19, 1948.
Alaskan Way, Aug. 19, 1948.
Photo: P-I File
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The February 1950 photo caption read: Participants in city's condemnation proceedings for the Alaskan Way Viaduct examine model of the Aurora Avenue section of the project.
The February 1950 photo caption read: Participants in city's condemnation proceedings for the Alaskan Way Viaduct examine model of the Aurora Avenue section of the project.
Photo: P-I File
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The Feb. 7, 1950 photo caption read: City Engineer R. W. Finke, left, gives go-ahead, and power shovel digs first scoop of dirt preparatory for construction of first unit of Alaskan Way Viaduct near Western Avenue and Battery Street. less
The Feb. 7, 1950 photo caption read: City Engineer R. W. Finke, left, gives go-ahead, and power shovel digs first scoop of dirt preparatory for construction of first unit of Alaskan Way Viaduct near Western ... more
Photo: P-I File
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The April 1950 photo caption read: This aerial view shows the start of construction on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, being built to relieve Seattle's serious traffic congestion.
The April 1950 photo caption read: This aerial view shows the start of construction on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, being built to relieve Seattle's serious traffic congestion.
Photo: P-I File
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Construction of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Jan. 28, 1951.
Construction of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Jan. 28, 1951.
Photo: P-I File
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An area where the Alaskan Way Viaduct now stands, April 25, 1951.
An area where the Alaskan Way Viaduct now stands, April 25, 1951.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, April 26, 1951.
Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, April 26, 1951.
Photo: P-I File
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Construction of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 26, 1951.
Construction of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 26, 1951.
Photo: P-I File
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The May 1951 photo caption read: There's a real big show underway along the waterfront where the Alaskan Way Viaduct is being constructed, and these two 5-story-high cranes straddle railway switching tracks.
The May 1951 photo caption read: There's a real big show underway along the waterfront where the Alaskan Way Viaduct is being constructed, and these two 5-story-high cranes straddle railway switching tracks.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, May 24, 1951.
Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, May 24, 1951.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, June 25, 1951.
Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, June 25, 1951.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, Oct. 29, 1951.
Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, Oct. 29, 1951.
Photo: P-I File
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The March 4, 1952 photo caption read: Casting concrete rails for guard fence. Work is done on job as construction advances.
The March 4, 1952 photo caption read: Casting concrete rails for guard fence. Work is done on job as construction advances.
Photo: P-I File
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The March 4, 1952 photo caption read: Rail traffic has been squeezed down to one track throughout construction period.
The March 4, 1952 photo caption read: Rail traffic has been squeezed down to one track throughout construction period.
Photo: P-I File
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The March 1952 photo caption read: Looking north along the viaduct near Lenora Street where the lower deck carrying southbound traffic edges under the top northbound deck. Note the beauty that the giant concrete supports add to the viaduct. less
The March 1952 photo caption read: Looking north along the viaduct near Lenora Street where the lower deck carrying southbound traffic edges under the top northbound deck. Note the beauty that the giant ... more
Photo: P-I File
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The Battery Street Tunnel under First Avenue North, March 10, 1953.
The Battery Street Tunnel under First Avenue North, March 10, 1953.
Photo: P-I File
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Looking north on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, March 11, 1953.
Looking north on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, March 11, 1953.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct, March 11, 1953.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct, March 11, 1953.
Photo: P-I File
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Looking toward Elliott Bay on Battery Street between Second and First Avenue, March 12, 1953.
Looking toward Elliott Bay on Battery Street between Second and First Avenue, March 12, 1953.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, early 1950s. (Seattle Municipal Archives)
Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, early 1950s. (Seattle Municipal Archives)
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, early 1950s. (Seattle Municipal Archives)
Alaskan Way Viaduct construction, early 1950s. (Seattle Municipal Archives)
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way Viaduct looking toward Elliott Bay from Second Avenue, March 12, 1953.
Alaskan Way Viaduct looking toward Elliott Bay from Second Avenue, March 12, 1953.
Photo: P-I File
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The April 4, 1953 photo caption read: Seafair Queen Iris Adams and Mayor Allan Pomeroy had something to laugh about Saturday as they bent every effort to cut the ribbon to open the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
The April 4, 1953 photo caption read: Seafair Queen Iris Adams and Mayor Allan Pomeroy had something to laugh about Saturday as they bent every effort to cut the ribbon to open the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
Photo: P-I File
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Opening ceremonies for a section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 4, 1953.
Opening ceremonies for a section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 4, 1953.
Photo: P-I File
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Opening ceremonies for a section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 4, 1953.
Opening ceremonies for a section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 4, 1953.
Photo: P-I File
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Traffic moves over the Alaskan Way Viaduct after opening ceremonies, Saturday, April 4, 1953. The view is to the south.
Traffic moves over the Alaskan Way Viaduct after opening ceremonies, Saturday, April 4, 1953. The view is to the south.
Photo: P-I File
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The April 6, 1953 photo caption read: The Alaskan Way Viaduct at 4:45 p.m. on first day of regular operation.
The April 6, 1953 photo caption read: The Alaskan Way Viaduct at 4:45 p.m. on first day of regular operation.
Photo: P-I File
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The Oct. 5, 1953 photo caption read: This view of new subway south toward The Post-Intelligencer building shows retaining walls under construction on each side, the north portal of Battery Street subway and extent of excavation. less
The Oct. 5, 1953 photo caption read: This view of new subway south toward The Post-Intelligencer building shows retaining walls under construction on each side, the north portal of Battery Street subway and ... more
Photo: P-I File
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The Aug. 17, 1956 photo caption read: Steel poles, used for new luminous lighting on Alaskan Way were manufactured by Pacific Car and Foundry Company's Renton plant.
The Aug. 17, 1956 photo caption read: Steel poles, used for new luminous lighting on Alaskan Way were manufactured by Pacific Car and Foundry Company's Renton plant.
Photo: P-I File
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The Dec. 16, 1956 photo caption read: Here's how the extension of the Alaskan Way Viaduct looks from street level.
The Dec. 16, 1956 photo caption read: Here's how the extension of the Alaskan Way Viaduct looks from street level.
Photo: P-I File
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The December 1956 photo caption read: Stretching southward in this view is the partially completed addition to the Alaskan Way Viaduct which will extend from the end of the present viaduct to Holgate Street.
The December 1956 photo caption read: Stretching southward in this view is the partially completed addition to the Alaskan Way Viaduct which will extend from the end of the present viaduct to Holgate Street.
Photo: P-I File
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The southern portion of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in the 1950s with the Smith Tower at upper left. Exact date unknown.
The southern portion of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in the 1950s with the Smith Tower at upper left. Exact date unknown.
Photo: P-I File
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The Feb. 17, 1959 caption reads: This is the scene where Olaf Edward Holman was killed yesterday while working on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
The Feb. 17, 1959 caption reads: This is the scene where Olaf Edward Holman was killed yesterday while working on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
Photo: P-I File
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The Sept. 1959 photo caption read: Seafair Queen Diane Gray applies the scissors with gusto yesterday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the Spokane Street extension of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. [Former Gov. Al Rosellini and then-Mayor Gordon Clinton are on the left and right, respectively.] less
The Sept. 1959 photo caption read: Seafair Queen Diane Gray applies the scissors with gusto yesterday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the Spokane Street extension of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. [Former Gov. ... more
Photo: P-I File
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The Sept. 1959 photo caption read: A single lane of cars moves north on the Spokane Street extension of the Alaskan Way Viaduct yesterday after dedication ceremonies.
The Sept. 1959 photo caption read: A single lane of cars moves north on the Spokane Street extension of the Alaskan Way Viaduct yesterday after dedication ceremonies.
Photo: P-I File
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City Engineer W. E. Parker, right, stands beside damaged piling behind seawall along Alaskan Way, where teredos (wood-boring worms) ate into a number of pilings. Exact date unknown.
City Engineer W. E. Parker, right, stands beside damaged piling behind seawall along Alaskan Way, where teredos (wood-boring worms) ate into a number of pilings. Exact date unknown.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Feb. 29, 1952.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Feb. 29, 1952.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way, March 2, 1950.
Alaskan Way, March 2, 1950.
Photo: P-I File
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From left: E.H. Lindstrom, city engineer, Robert Artelle, south district city engineer, James Hayward, transportation committee chairman, James Robertson, assistant city engineer. Exact date unknown.
From left: E.H. Lindstrom, city engineer, Robert Artelle, south district city engineer, James Hayward, transportation committee chairman, James Robertson, assistant city engineer. Exact date unknown.
Photo: P-I File
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From left: E.H. Lindstrom, city engineer, Robert Artelle, south district city engineer, James Hayward, transportation committee chairman, James Robertson, assistant city engineer. Exact date unknown.
From left: E.H. Lindstrom, city engineer, Robert Artelle, south district city engineer, James Hayward, transportation committee chairman, James Robertson, assistant city engineer. Exact date unknown.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Feb. 1, 1960.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Feb. 1, 1960.
Photo: P-I File
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Seawall damage at Washington Street and Alaskan Way in Seattle, Jan. 5, 1986.
Seawall damage at Washington Street and Alaskan Way in Seattle, Jan. 5, 1986.
Photo: P-I File
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The April 26, 1951 photo caption read: Workmen on new multi-million dollar Alaskan Way Viaduct place steel stringers in railing molding, in preparation for pouring of concrete.
The April 26, 1951 photo caption read: Workmen on new multi-million dollar Alaskan Way Viaduct place steel stringers in railing molding, in preparation for pouring of concrete.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way near the viaduct. Exact date unknown.
Alaskan Way near the viaduct. Exact date unknown.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct is seen in the back of this picture from March 26, 1975.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct is seen in the back of this picture from March 26, 1975.
Photo: P-I File
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The Nov. 1961 photo caption read: The first cars leaving the viaduct via Seneca Street.
The Nov. 1961 photo caption read: The first cars leaving the viaduct via Seneca Street.
Photo: P-I File
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The Feb. 1, 1960 photo caption read: Most motorists don't notice wires over high-speed freeways, such as this one over the new Alaskan Way Viaduct.
The Feb. 1, 1960 photo caption read: Most motorists don't notice wires over high-speed freeways, such as this one over the new Alaskan Way Viaduct.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way, August 9, 1971.
Alaskan Way, August 9, 1971.
Photo: P-I File
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The Jan. 8, 1962 photo caption read: Part of damage to the Alaskan Way Viaduct caused by the fall of part of the old Armory.
The Jan. 8, 1962 photo caption read: Part of damage to the Alaskan Way Viaduct caused by the fall of part of the old Armory.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct, July 15, 1982.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct, July 15, 1982.
Photo: P-I File
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The August 14, 1977 photo caption read: 54,000 vehicles a day roar above the waterfront on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
The August 14, 1977 photo caption read: 54,000 vehicles a day roar above the waterfront on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Nov. 26, 1983.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Nov. 26, 1983.
Photo: P-I File
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The July 27, 1977 photo caption read: Critics say the viaduct blocks waterfront development.
The July 27, 1977 photo caption read: Critics say the viaduct blocks waterfront development.
Photo: P-I File
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Readers in 1982 complained that cars were going 70 mph instead of the 50 mph speed limit.
Readers in 1982 complained that cars were going 70 mph instead of the 50 mph speed limit.
Photo: P-I File
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The Nov. 28, 1988 photo caption read: The Burlington Northern track will no longer be used by freight trains. All trains will be moved to the tunnel that runs under downtown Seattle.
The Nov. 28, 1988 photo caption read: The Burlington Northern track will no longer be used by freight trains. All trains will be moved to the tunnel that runs under downtown Seattle.
Photo: P-I File
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The Oct. 29, 1957 photo caption read: This shows a section of the Alaskan Way viaduct extension where work is progressing on the second deck.
The Oct. 29, 1957 photo caption read: This shows a section of the Alaskan Way viaduct extension where work is progressing on the second deck.
Photo: P-I File
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Alaskan Way, Aug. 19, 1948.
Alaskan Way, Aug. 19, 1948.
Photo: P-I File
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The Oct. 10, 1991 caption read: Officials say it would cost $250 million to update the 40-year-old Alaskan Way Viaduct.
The Oct. 10, 1991 caption read: Officials say it would cost $250 million to update the 40-year-old Alaskan Way Viaduct.
Photo: P-I File
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The area that is now home to the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Aug. 19, 1948.
The area that is now home to the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Aug. 19, 1948.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way viaduct, curving southward along the waterfront from the Battery Street tunnel to the industrial area, Oct. 18, 1989.
The Alaskan Way viaduct, curving southward along the waterfront from the Battery Street tunnel to the industrial area, Oct. 18, 1989.
Photo: P-I File
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Traffic going north on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Jan. 12, 2005.
Traffic going north on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Jan. 12, 2005.
Photo: P-I File
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Russ Morisch, 32, was homeless near the Viaduct on Christmas Day, 2005.
Russ Morisch, 32, was homeless near the Viaduct on Christmas Day, 2005.
Photo: P-I File
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Scott McCleary, 54, lived in his car under the Viaduct on Christmas Day, 2005.
Scott McCleary, 54, lived in his car under the Viaduct on Christmas Day, 2005.
Photo: P-I File
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Construction workers, Sean Christy, left center in pit, John Ipsen, center in pit, and Paul Micenko, right, work the concrete on a new column foundation on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 14, 2008. The effort was the final phase of work to strengthen the column foundations between Columbia Street and Yesler Way. less
Construction workers, Sean Christy, left center in pit, John Ipsen, center in pit, and Paul Micenko, right, work the concrete on a new column foundation on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, April 14, 2008. The effort ... more
Photo: P-I File
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Racers run along the viaduct during the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, June 21, 2008.
Racers run along the viaduct during the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, June 21, 2008.
Photo: P-I File
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An onramp to the Alaskan Way Viaduct at Columbia Street winds its way through downtown.
An onramp to the Alaskan Way Viaduct at Columbia Street winds its way through downtown.
Photo: P-I File
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A view of the Seneca Street offramp of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, July 24, 2006.
A view of the Seneca Street offramp of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, July 24, 2006.
Photo: P-I File
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Night traffic on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Dec. 18, 2005.
Night traffic on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Dec. 18, 2005.
Photo: P-I File
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Gov. Chris Gregoire uses a chart while Seattle Mayor Greg Nickles and King County Executive Ron Sims listen to options for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct during an Olympia news conference, March 14, 2007. That month, Seattle voters didn't favor a tunnel or an elevated replacement for the existing viaduct, complicating an already messy struggle between city and state leaders. The struggle continues. less
Gov. Chris Gregoire uses a chart while Seattle Mayor Greg Nickles and King County Executive Ron Sims listen to options for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct during an Olympia news conference, March 14, 2007. ... more
Photo: P-I File
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A pedistrian walks under the Alaskan Way Viaduct toward Coleman Dock on Oct. 26, 2007.
A pedistrian walks under the Alaskan Way Viaduct toward Coleman Dock on Oct. 26, 2007.
Photo: P-I File
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Traffic travels along the lower-deck of the viaduct at the beginning of the afternoon commute, Oct. 23, 2007.
Traffic travels along the lower-deck of the viaduct at the beginning of the afternoon commute, Oct. 23, 2007.
Photo: P-I File
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Crews installed temporary support structures below the lower deck of the Alaskan Way Viaduct between Columbia Street and Yesler Way, February 11, 2008.
Crews installed temporary support structures below the lower deck of the Alaskan Way Viaduct between Columbia Street and Yesler Way, February 11, 2008.
Photo: P-I File
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State Department of Transportation maintenance crews clean the viaduct, near Battery Street, Oct. 13, 2007.
State Department of Transportation maintenance crews clean the viaduct, near Battery Street, Oct. 13, 2007.
Photo: P-I File
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Bridge inspectors give the viaduct a semiannual inspection on Oct. 13, 2007.
Bridge inspectors give the viaduct a semiannual inspection on Oct. 13, 2007.
Photo: P-I File
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A view looking south from Belltown, April 25, 2007.
A view looking south from Belltown, April 25, 2007.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct, reflected in a waterfront mud puddle, on March 9, 2007. Seattle's Bank of America Tower and Smith Tower are prominent in the background.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct, reflected in a waterfront mud puddle, on March 9, 2007. Seattle's Bank of America Tower and Smith Tower are prominent in the background.
Photo: P-I File
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A man walks below the Alaskan Way Viaduct, near South Atlantic Street, July 24, 2006.
A man walks below the Alaskan Way Viaduct, near South Atlantic Street, July 24, 2006.
Photo: P-I File
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Participants run south in the northbound lanes of the Alaskan Way Viaduct during the St. Patrick's Day Dash, March 16, 2008.
Participants run south in the northbound lanes of the Alaskan Way Viaduct during the St. Patrick's Day Dash, March 16, 2008.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Oct. 19, 1989.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Oct. 19, 1989.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Oct. 13, 1996.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Oct. 13, 1996.
Photo: P-I File
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An Alaskan Way Viaduct support column at South Washington Street leans outward and is secured with metal straps, April 1, 2001.
An Alaskan Way Viaduct support column at South Washington Street leans outward and is secured with metal straps, April 1, 2001.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct as seen going west down Columbia Street, March 21, 2002.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct as seen going west down Columbia Street, March 21, 2002.
Photo: P-I File
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The October 2009 photo caption read: Members of the Seattle City Council and Washington state legislators applaud as Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and Gov. Chris Gregoire sign a memorandum to replace the waterfront viaduct. A deep-bored tunnel is planned to replace the aging structure, a central issue in Seattle's upcoming mayoral election. Nickels, who was defeated in the primary, said some issues are worth losing an election over. "This is one of them," he said. less
The October 2009 photo caption read: Members of the Seattle City Council and Washington state legislators applaud as Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and Gov. Chris Gregoire sign a memorandum to replace the ... more
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct is shown during a biannual inspection on Oct. 24, 2009.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct is shown during a biannual inspection on Oct. 24, 2009.
Photo: P-I File
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Crews had demolished part of the southern portion of the viaduct in February of that year, the first time that any portion of the structure had been torn down since it was built. less
The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. Crews had demolished part of the southern portion of the viaduct in February of that year, the first time that any portion of the structure had been ... more
Photo: WSDOT
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on October 31st. less
The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on ... more
Photo: WSDOT
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on October 31st. less
The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on ... more
Photo: WSDOT
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on October 31st. less
The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on ... more
Photo: WSDOT
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on October 31st. less
The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on ... more
Photo: WSDOT
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on October 31st. less
The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on ... more
Photo: WSDOT
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on October 31st. less
The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition operation continues in Seattle, October 2011. The highway, which normally carries 110,000 cars per day, is being partly demolished. The northern half is scheduled to reopen on ... more
Photo: WSDOT
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011.
Photo: WSDOT
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The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011.
Photo: WSDOT
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John Lui uses a ground-penetrating radar after cracks and sinking roadways were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue the broken waterfront tunnel boring machine. It was not determined if the sinking was related to the digging nearby. Photographed on Thursday, December 11, 2014. less
John Lui uses a ground-penetrating radar after cracks and sinking roadways were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue ... more
Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM
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Seattle Mayor Ed Murray speaks to the media after cracks and sinking roadways were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue the broken waterfront tunnel boring machine. It was not determined if the sinking was related to the digging nearby. Photographed on Thursday, December 11, 2014. less
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray speaks to the media after cracks and sinking roadways were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue the broken ... more
Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM
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A crack and sinking roadway are shown after they were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue the broken waterfront tunnel boring machine. It was not determined if the sinking was related to the digging nearby. Photographed on Thursday, December 11, 2014. less
A crack and sinking roadway are shown after they were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue the broken waterfront tunnel boring ... more
Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM
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A man takes a photo of a crack and sinking roadway after they were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue the broken waterfront tunnel boring machine. It was not determined if the sinking was related to the digging nearby. Photographed on Thursday, December 11, 2014. less
A man takes a photo of a crack and sinking roadway after they were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue the broken waterfront ... more
Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM
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Seattle Mayor Ed Murray stands on a crack and sinking part of the roadway after they were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue the broken waterfront tunnel boring machine. It was not determined if the sinking was related to the digging nearby. Photographed on Thursday, December 11, 2014. less
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray stands on a crack and sinking part of the roadway after they were discovered on South King Street, adjacent to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and an area where a pit is being dug to rescue the ... more
Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM
Image 102 of 105
Fast forward to 2015, and 1,000 feet of the tunnel to replace the viaduct has been dug, while the tunneling machine, Bertha, has been idle due to a breakdown since December 2013. Digging would resume in December 2015, and continues (albeit with a few more setbacks) today.

Work progresses on the Highway 99 waterfront tunnel in Seattle after it was announced that the tunnel boring machine Bertha will resume digging in November 2015. Photographed on Friday, July 17, 2015. less
Fast forward to 2015, and 1,000 feet of the tunnel to replace the viaduct has been dug, while the tunneling machine, Bertha, has been idle due to a breakdown since December 2013. Digging would resume in
... more
Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM
Image 103 of 105
The lower deck is shown inside the Highway 99 waterfront tunnel in Seattle after it was announced that the tunnel boring machine Bertha will resume digging in November 2015. Photographed on Friday, July 17, 2015. less
The lower deck is shown inside the Highway 99 waterfront tunnel in Seattle after it was announced that the tunnel boring machine Bertha will resume digging in November 2015. Photographed on Friday, July 17, ... more
Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM
Image 104 of 105
Work progresses on the Highway 99 waterfront tunnel in Seattle after it was announced that the tunnel boring machine Bertha will resume digging in November 2015. Photographed on Friday, July 17, 2015.
Work progresses on the Highway 99 waterfront tunnel in Seattle after it was announced that the tunnel boring machine Bertha will resume digging in November 2015. Photographed on Friday, July 17, 2015.
Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM
Image 105 of 105

Remember that day when traffic was a nightmare because Interstate 5 was shut down through downtown Seattle?

Oh right, that was Monday.

Well get ready for another temporary shuttering of a major thoroughfare in Seattle. This time, though, it will be the Alaskan Way viaduct, closing this weekend as crews perform their biannual inspection of the aging piece of infrastructure history.

Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews will close that section of state Route 99 from South Spokane Street to the north end of the Battery Street tunnel.

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The closure will go from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Additionally, the southbound roadway will be closed even farther north -- to Valley Street -- as crews finish up work to reopen Harrison Street, and with the Hot Chocolate Run on Sunday, the closure will go north of the Battery Street tunnel as well.

Drivers can check the Seattle Department of Transportation traveler information site here for traffic info, and the WSDOT traffic alerts page here as well.

Daniel DeMay covers Seattle culture, business and transportation for seattlepi.com. He can be reached at 206-448-8362 or danieldemay@seattlepi.com. Follow him on Twitter: @Daniel_DeMay.