Washington State Department of Transportation crews using hydraulic shears and breakers this morning began demolishing the ramp from Sprague Avenue to eastbound SR 16 as part of the I-5/SR 16 Westbound Nalley Valley project.

The demolition work is happening adjacent to the highway and could be a visual distraction to motorists. Drivers are advised to pay extra attention in the work zone.

This week’s work also requires lane and road closures in the Nalley Valley area:

— Left-lane closure on eastbound SR 16 from 9 p.m. Monday (tonight) to 5 a.m. Tuesday

— Right-lane closure on eastbound SR 16 from 9 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday

— Center Street closed from 9 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday. South Tacoma Way is available as an alternate route.

The Sprague Avenue on-ramp to eastbound SR 16, and the eastbound SR 16 off-ramp to Sprague Avenue closed Feb. 13. The off-ramp reopens in fall 2011. The on-ramp will open when the Eastbound Nalley Valley project is complete in 2013.

For more project information, visit http://www.tacomatraffic.com .