Seattle Braces for Historic Traffic Squeeze as Highway Closes Before Tunnel Launch

In this photo taken Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, a sign overhead advises of an upcoming closure of the the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle. The double-decker highway along Seattle's waterfront is set to shut down for good Friday, Jan. 11, ushering in what officials say will be one of the most painful traffic periods in the city's history. Elaine Thompson/AP

SEATTLE—A major thoroughfare for commuters along downtown Seattle’s waterfront is set to shut down for good on Jan. 11, ushering in what officials say will be one of the most painful traffic periods in the history of the booming Pacific Northwest city.

The double-decker, 2.2-mile Alaskan Way Viaduct, which carries about 90,000 vehicles each day, will be replaced by a new four-lane tunnel.