Zoo mural is coming back to life

Update: We just returned from the 57th St. underpass on Phinney Ridge where workers are using a high-tech spray to remove the grey paint that covers the zoo mural. It looks like it’s working like a charm.

The cleaning is scheduled to take four days, but it’s proceeding quickly.

Earlier: This morning (Monday), crews from Surface Cleaning Technology will begin removing the grey paint that covers the colorful zoo mural in the 57th St. underpass. Last month, that company proved that its unique technology — a machine washer that uses soft volcanic crystals — will be able to save the mural that city workers painted over weeks before. And yes, the city of Seattle has agreed to foot the bill. The cleaning is expected to take four days, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. We’ll post photos after the work begins.