As the new State Route 99 tunnel continues to welcome vehicle traffic, the entire reason for building the new tunnel and embarking on a $3.3-billion project to create a new traffic route under downtown Seattle takes shape: the removal of the aging (it opened in 1953) and vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct along Seattle’s waterfront. 

As crews from Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. demolish the 1.4-mile-long concrete double-decker viaduct, let’s view the first month of work as captured through the lens of the Washington State Dept. of Transportation team: 

Spectators have enjoyed catching a glimpse of the latest work in downtown Seattle. 

Looking north from Lenora Street, the viaduct crumbles away.

Protective netting creates a a different view of the viaduct demolition. 

During demolition, crews remain at the ready with water hoses to keep dust under control.

Looking south as a concrete crusher chews up an outer girder on the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s upper deck between Yesler Way and Columbia Street with the Seattle stadium district in the background. 

Follow Tim Newcomb on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.