If you drive 1st Avenue South near the stadiums, you’ll see this starting tomorrow – read on for the latest official WSDOT update:

Text of WSDOT news release, after this Google Street View image:

WSDOT begins demolishing two large buildings this week on state property near Qwest Field. Removing the buildings creates space for a series of construction projects that will replace the earthquake-damaged Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Starting April 28, crews will demolish a 40,000-square-foot warehouse and a 10,000-square-foot office building located on the west side of First Avenue S. between S. Royal Brougham Way and S. Dearborn Street . Demolition work will occur on weekdays between 7 a.m. and approximately 5 p.m. The project will last through June.

WSDOT has used the 7.5-acre demolition site for viaduct-related construction since fall 2008. Beginning later this year, it will serve as a construction staging area for a project that will replace the southern mile of the viaduct between S. Holgate Street and S. King Street . Crews will spend the rest of 2009 relocating utilities in the area, to prepare for construction of the viaduct’s south end replacement beginning in early 2010.

The S. Holgate Street to S. King Street project will connect to the bored tunnel that will replace the central waterfront portion of the viaduct. Developed jointly by WSDOT, King County and the City of Seattle , the bored tunnel plan includes a new waterfront surface street, transit investments, and downtown waterfront and city street improvements. The central waterfront seawall also will be replaced.

WSDOT is working with social service organizations to ensure the safety of homeless people in the area during demolition. Crews also are coordinating with nearby road construction projects to minimize the effects of construction on nearby businesses and neighborhoods. Traffic lanes will not be closed due to the project, but truck traffic will increase near the site.

Private parking on this property was previously restricted due to an electrical line relocation project, which removed the majority of pay parking spaces in lots just east of the viaduct between S. Atlantic Street and Railroad Way S. The remaining parking spaces on this property will be closed for the duration of the demolition project; street parking will not be affected.

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, please visit www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.

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