When the south portion of the Viaduct was being built in 1957, Smith Tower was the biggest thing in the background. Credit: Washington State Archives, used with permission

1957:

When the south portion of the Viaduct was being built in 1957, Smith Tower was the biggest thing in the background.
  • Washington State Archives, used with permission
  • When the south portion of the Viaduct was being built in 1957, the Smith Tower was the biggest thing in the background.

2011:

Can you find the Smith Tower now?
  • E.S.
  • Not so big in the background anymore.

Eli Sanders was The Stranger's associate editor. His book, "While the City Slept," was a finalist for the Washington State Book Award and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. He once did this and once won...

11 replies on “Present at the Birth, and Death, of the Viaduct”

  1. I’m going to really miss the viaduct. A few times a year when I have houseguests it’s such a joy to give them a spectacular ride with a view of Elliot bay and the city.

  2. @5 maybe not you, but North of the Ship Canal it’s having massive impacts on traffic.

    Try looking at the Side by Side comparisons of traffic congestion at the Times.

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