West Seattle Blog…

What those West Seattle Bridge “ramp closed” signs are for

December 31, 2008 at 9:46 am | In Transportation, West Seattle news | 10 Comments

We saw them last night, and more than a few WSB’ers e-mailed after seeing them this morning: Lighted signboards at various spots around the West Seattle Bridge saying RAMPS CLOSED 12 AM-8 AM 1/2/09. We just checked with Marybeth Turner at SDOT to get the details: She explains, “Seattle Public Utilities is closing the ramps so they can clean the drains on the bridge. This is important to avoid potential hazards that could occur from ponding.” We’re still seeking more specifics on exactly where the closures will happen, in case you have to use The Bridge during those hours (in the short run, planning to use the low bridge may be your best bet), and will add whatever else we find out. 1:24 PM UPDATE: An official news release has just come out, and it has the specifics:

The Seattle Public Utilities will close many of the on- and
off-ramps on the West Seattle Bridge for drain cleaning, from midnight
on Thursday, January 1, to no later than 8 a.m. on Friday, January 2.

Drivers will still be able to access the bridge eastbound from
Fauntleroy Way SW and Harbor Avenue SW, and westbound from I-5, but
should plan their route considering exits from the bridge that will be
closed.

Metro Transit buses and emergency vehicles will be let through closed
ramps, but other drivers are advised to use the low-level Spokane Street
Bridge.

Seattle Public Utility crews will clean the drains on the bridge to
reduce the potential for hazards due to ponding.

Closed on- and off-ramps:

Eastbound:
The Delridge Way SW on- ramp
SR99 northbound exit
First Avenue S exit

Westbound:
First Avenue S on-ramp
Harbor Ave SW off- ramp
SR 99 southbound to West Seattle Bridge
Delridge Way SW exit
Avalon Way SW exit
Admiral Way SW exit

10 Comments

1. saw a street sweeping crew working the eastbound side of west seattle bridge when i made a midnight airport run last night. these guys are working around the clock to get us back on track!

   Comment by brittany — December 31, 08 10:22 am #

2. Thanks for the update! I’ve never driven the lower bridge route so if anyone has any awesome directions please post! :)

   Comment by Alyssa — December 31, 08 10:43 am #

3. Does SDOT realize that 1/2 is a working day for Boeing and many others? This will kill the communting hours if all ramps are closed. Need clarification, here’s to hoping SDOT hasn’t shut down for the day yet….

   Comment by CB — December 31, 08 11:41 am #

4. lower bridge is totally easy. just know that if you follow spokane street to 1st ave, you can only turn south on 1st. if you need to go north, you have to turn at marginal way.

   will the whole bridge be closed, or are the I-5 exits open?

   Comment by brittany — December 31, 08 11:48 am #

5. Hey CB, it’s a working day for the feds too!

   I must have been blind this morning driving to work. Or else they put the signs up after I left…

   Comment by JH — December 31, 08 12:12 pm #

6. The SPU guy I talked with at the mayor’s briefing will look into details for me too. Stand by!

   Comment by WSB — December 31, 08 12:27 pm #

7. Don’t they mean midnight on Friday January 2nd to 8am the same day? I don’t think they are going to close everything for 30 hours.

   Comment by Cleveland Ken — December 31, 08 4:35 pm #

8. City employees are working as well, I’m sure the 0800 is the latest they intend to be done – hopefully they’ll be done long before then!

   Comment by jsrekd — December 31, 08 4:37 pm #

9. Yes, it’s midnight THURSDAY NIGHT to 8 am Friday morning. 8 hours.

   Comment by WSB — December 31, 08 4:55 pm #

10. Well, another good excuse for me to go to work late!

    Comment by JH — December 31, 08 8:56 pm #

Sorry, comment time is over.