The Alaskan Way Viaduct (usually referred to as just “the Viaduct”) is a double-decked freeway running on the waterfront built in the 50s, which means that it’s been part of Seattle’s cityscape for most residents entire lives.
On January 11, the Viaduct (usually referred to as just “the Viaduct”), which will demolished in the next weeks, was closed for good, creating Seattle’s own commute-changing shutdown. The tunnel that will take its place is not open yet, so drivers have been asked to be “creative” in planning their commute.
Seattleites have a hate-love relationships with the Viaduct: it makes it possible to bypass the busy city center but it can get crazy-jammed. It’s the essence of ugly, but it has the best views of the waterfront. It’s quintessential Seattle. I know of people who came to Seattle the day before the shutdown to drive one more time on this ugly-beautiful road. For one day, on February 2nd, it will be open to pedestrians and runners. Because this is the end of an era.