While a hoe ram prepares for work, the lights of the San Fernando Valley sparkle.

Looking southwest, a protective buffer of soil has been moved under Muholland Bridge to protect the freeway surface from debris during demolition.

Debris falls from Mulholland Bridge onto the protective layer of soil spread over the freeway.

Shot through a fence, this photo shows a hoe ram pounding the north side bridge deck into debris.

Photographs courtesy of LACMTA (Josh Southwick, Metro Creative Services)