West Seattle, Washington

18 Thursday

48℉

day : 24/10/2011 11 results

A few more scenes from the 1st Viaductless weekday
October 24, 2011 11:58 pm
|    Comments Off on A few more scenes from the 1st Viaductless weekday
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

That’s the reason we’re doing without a key stretch of Highway 99 this week – so WSDOT can take down as much of the south-end section as possible, including what needs to go so crews can connect a bypass allowing them to then get to work building the other half of the new elevated south-end stretch. Here’s another view – from West Seattle-residing pilot Stephen Griffith:

(Click to see larger image)
At Seacrest Pier, some of the almost 1,000 Monday morning-commute West Seattle Water Taxi riders got to see this sunrise:

The downtown skyline was a striking backdrop for the vessel itself, too.

The extra 100+ spaces at nearby Don Armeni Boat Ramp were a hit, full before the morning commute ended:

Besides the Water Taxi, which hit capacity three times in the morning commute (and approached 1,000 morning passengers total), bicycles were a popular alternative – Wes Sauer shared this photo:

Trains were a sore spot during the evening commute, with buses getting stuck waiting for them too. Linda Thielke of Metro told WSB that they are relying on a “flexible reroute plan with three options each direction” to deal with the trains, even knowing it’s “cumbersome” to ask drivers to deal with that. Don’t be startled if your bus diverts all the way to the 1st Avenue South Bridge – she says, that “adds miles but can save minutes.” We’ll be back on commute patrol in just a few hours.

Share This

Followup: New information on man hit by truck this morning
October 24, 2011 10:49 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

During our morning-commute coverage today, we reported on what fire department medics described as a “jogger” hit by a semi-truck on the east end of the West Seattle “low bridge.” WSB’ers via e-mail and comments have provided new information on his condition and on plans to raise money to help with his recovery. He is identified by friends as Tim Nelson; he was running to work as a Viaduct alternative, according to Justin Coffey, writing on his website Peanut Butter Coast:

Tim is currently in intensive care at Harborview Medical Center. His back was broken, as well as his right shoulder, right arm and a few ribs. His skull is fractured, a lung punctured and his spleen lacerated. His injuries are severe, but his spirits are high. Whether you know him or not, please keep Tim in your thoughts and prayers.

Justin mentions a benefit planned for Friday, November 11, to help with Tim’s expenses – more information in his post. We don’t have official information from police on the circumstances of the crash. (Photo courtesy Mark)

Share This

West Seattle traffic alert: Crash on Delridge offramp
October 24, 2011 9:49 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:49 PM: Police are blocking off the Delridge offramp from the westbound West Seattle Bridge because of a crash toward the bottom of the ramp. Surface traffic may be affected too. No details on the crash circumstances – the level of fire dispatch does not suggest major injuries – but avoid the area for a while.

10:30 PM UPDATE: Police just announced (scanner) that the offramp is reopening. The “gore point” at the ramp’s bottom, however, was described as “demolished,” and a city crew was being called out to fix it ASAP.

Share This

Halloween on the water: ‘Haunted’ Duwamish tour setting sail again
October 24, 2011 8:36 pm
|    Comments Off on Halloween on the water: ‘Haunted’ Duwamish tour setting sail again
 |   Environment | Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(‘Slip 4’ Duwamish cleanup area, photographed in 2010 by Christopher Boffoli)
What could be spookier than toxic trouble that’s invisible as a ghost, but much more real? Once again this year, the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition is offering its “Haunted Halloween Toxic Boat Tour” – 1-3 pm next Sunday afternoon. The death-defying description:

Several spooky guides will lead you on a two-hour boat tour of the Duwamish River Superfund Cleanup Site. You’ll hear stories of local Native American supernatural legends, early settler stories from Georgetown and South Park neighborhoods, and learn about the terrifying realities of toxic chemicals in the Duwamish! Also learn about the natural and human history of the Duwamish Valley, environmental health and (in)justice, and the future of Seattle’s very own Superfund cleanup site on this guided boat tour.

Tour happens rain or shine. Participants must RSVP through Brown Paper Tickets (go here). Space is limited and we cannot over-book the tour. The tour is appropriate for people of all ages and it is ADA accessible. You may bring a snack to eat on the tour. This year we are requesting a $25 fee ($15 for kids). 100% of your proceeds will go to our ongoing Education and Outreach Programs. Please e-mail contact@duwamishcleanup.org or call (206) 453-9803 if you have questions.

Share This

Site glitch earlier today; fixed now. Please forgive us!
October 24, 2011 8:09 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

computer.jpgIf you kept checking the WSB home page earlier today and wondered why we hadn’t seemed to update anything after 7-something am – no, we were NOT slacking off! Some people were stuck with a “cached” version of the home page that refused to show the newest information, even though we had continued to update the morning commute story and then followed it up with several new stories. One browser seemed to be immune to this problem, Chrome, and since that happens to be the browser we use for most of our work, we weren’t aware of the problem until a few hours had gone by and a few people finally sent notes asking what was going on. Then it took a while longer to fix. Thanks to expert tech help, we finally know what was wrong (though not WHY it went awry), and all should be well now. As soon as we realized some people couldn’t see the updated home page, though direct story links worked just fine, we did get the word out via Facebook and Twitter, so if you use either of those services, please make note of where to find us, and consider “liking” or “following” WSB there, even if just to get updates in situations (rare as they are) like this. Sorry again – we try to make sure WSB hums along relatively trouble-free!

Share This

Viaduct closure: Monday pm West Seattle-bound updates
October 24, 2011 3:04 pm
|      51 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

(SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES)

We’re going to go ahead and start the afternoon/evening commute coverage, since there’s new news:

RACHEL MARIE BACK ON THE WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI RUN: WSB’er SK sent word of this – and moments later, we also got word from Michelle Allison in KC Councilmember Joe McDermott’s office: “Apparently the problem was a ‘faulty turbo charger on the starboard engine” which has since been repaired, tested and given the go ahead.” So if you’re coming home on the Water Taxi – here’s the special schedule for this week – you’ll be on Rachel Marie.

TREE BLOCKING FAIRMOUNT: Some park-and-ride Water Taxi commuters might be affected if this isn’t cleared soon – a big tree is blocking Fairmount just north of the bridge:

(Later note – We haven’t heard yet if it’s been cleared – let us know if you’ve gone through there.)

3:56 PM UPDATE: Multiple reports of bus slowness, particularly on 1st Avenue South. And lots of reports of, just like other days, getting stuck waiting for trains. We’re adding cameras relevant to the commute home – 1st and 4th, for example.

4:30 PM UPDATE: The Royal Brougham onramp to NORTHBOUND 99 did reopen as promised, by the way, in case you need to head north. (added) A commuter headed home from Beacon Hill says the backup’s not too bad to get to the bridge from there, but “many lights” to wait through.

4:59 PM UPDATE: Just talked to County Councilmember Joe McDermott about the Water Taxi – as he walked up to the line at Pier 50 to head home to West Seattle. (He shared the photo just added above – he says he’s #74 in line for the 5:15 pm run.) That reminds us, this morning’s ridership is now posted on the WT website – see it here.

5:15 PM: Via Twitter, @matinay reports, “I’m on a 55, 1st ave S & Lander. All SB buses on 1st are being rerouted further south to E Marginal to avoid a long train.”

5:31 PM: We have just driven east on the low bridge to check out the westbound traffic. Counted NINE buses on the low bridge (and a bit east of it) – from west to east, it was 120, a 55, a 21, and a 56, a 116, and another 120, two 54s, and a 21. We were then briefly on the eastbound high bridge – it’s slow going between 99 and 5.

5:43 PM: Another Water Taxi update from Joe McDermott – he estimates about 30 people who were in for the 5:15 pm sailing had to wait for the next one. (Added above, another view of that line, from Josh Sutton.) Meantime, we’ve just taken 4th Avenue South to the 1st Avenue South Bridge. A little backup in the final stretch before the bridge, and we’re now in a short backup on the onramp, but not bad at all.

6:19 PM: Still seeing tweets from people in buses experiencing slow going home. We’ll be asking Metro if they plan to do anything differently tomorrow.

Share This

Reminders for tonight: 7 West Seattle (etc.) events of note
October 24, 2011 2:46 pm
|    Comments Off on Reminders for tonight: 7 West Seattle (etc.) events of note
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Before it’s too late – a few quick reminders for the rest of the afternoon and tonight:

ADMIRAL BUSINESS LEADERS’ MEETING: The new group forming with the help of the Admiral Neighborhood Association meets again this afternoon at Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) from 4-5:30 pm.

CRUISE PRESENTATION: AAA West Seattle‘s free presentation at Merrill Gardens-West Seattle (WSB sponsor), wine/appetizers at 5, presentation at 6.

HISTORIC SEATTLE MEETS IN WS: Historic Seattle membership meeting at The Sanctuary at Admiral, 5:30 pm (details here)

EAT LOCAL NOW! Tickets still available for dinner celebration at SODO Park, fundraiser for groups including Sustainable West Seattle and CoolMom, details here – and we’ve just added the menu to our most-recent preview – see it here.

‘BOYS IN THE BAND’: At 7 PM, The Admiral Theater & OutWest Bar present one showing only of the 1970 classic “Boys in the Band.” Event is 21+, with beer/wine available upstairs. Tickets $7.

‘FAMILY MATTERS’: The week of special presentations/events continues at Fauntleroy UCC Church – full lineup here; tonight, “Preventing Bullying,” 7 pm.

FOLLOWING UP ON THE WHITE CENTER RAIDS: The multiagency “Center of Attention” operation reached into West Seattle, too, according to the map included in this followup on our partner site White Center Now, with context on what inspired investigators to start the work. Tonight, 7 pm at Wiley Center in White Center’s Greenbridge development, US Attorney Jenny Durkan and others will lead a community meeting to talk about the raids and how to improve community safety in the future.

Share This

Midday notes: Royal Brougham ramp closed; Water Taxi followup…
October 24, 2011 12:22 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

4 midday notes related to our current state of Viaductlessness:

(Demolition photo by Erick, from a nearby crane; click for larger image)
*First, the Royal Brougham ramp to northbound 99 is NOT open right now. Though WSDOT had planned to open it 5 am-7 pm all week long, the demolition work has turned out to be too close for comfort, as the Seattle Times (WSB partner) reports. Current estimate is that it’ll reopen at 2 pm. Travis Phelps from WSDOT tells WSB, “No chunks fell onto the ramp. But we did close it for safety reasons to complete work to demolish a large section of the viaduct at this location.” (1:26 pm update – WSDOT aiming for a 3:30 pm reopening)

*Second, for those who wondered why the West Seattle Water Taxi couldn’t shoehorn a few more people in, the Melissa Ann and Rachel Marie currently certified for 150 passengers maximum, though the office of County Councilmember Joe McDermott (Ferry District board chair) reminds us they’re hoping to get that raised to 172 early next year. Meantime, even if the Rachel Marie wasn’t out for repairs (no estimated return time yet) today, they say, logistics of loading/unloading that many people make it impossible for more-frequent runs.

*(added 12:48 pm) Third – In our morning as-it-unfolded coverage, we mentioned the extra police patrols on the high bridge for bus-lane violators. SPD Blotter reports they issued 23 tickets between 6 and 8 am, all but one for the lane violation.

*(added 2:11 pm) Fourth – a link for your mobile phone to get the city’s new live video from the West Seattle Bridge – follow this link, click MENU, then click LIVE TRAFFIC VIDEO.

If there are any more traffic notes between now and about 4, we’ll add them to this story; that’s when we’ll start our comprehensive PM-commute coverage.

Share This

1 more week to have your say on Roxhill Skatespot design
October 24, 2011 12:12 pm
|    Comments Off on 1 more week to have your say on Roxhill Skatespot design
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Click for full-size view, as a PDF – upper right of rendering is 29th/Barton)
When Seattle Parks next convenes a meeting to talk about the upcoming Roxhill Park Skatespot and Playground project, they’ll be showing something close to a final design – so they want to make sure they hear from as many people as possible before that almost-final design is crafted. In particular, they’re issuing a last call for comments on the skatespot – deadline, next Monday. Here’s our coverage of the recent meeting showcasing the “schematic” (draft) design; you can get a closer look at the graphics on the project’s official webpage. Then send your thoughts to project manager Kelly Davidson at kelly.davidson@seattle.gov.

Share This

West Seattle wildlife: Pooch vs. pup scare on the beach
October 24, 2011 10:26 am
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Seal Sitters‘ Robin Lindsey shares that photo of Abe, a harbor-seal pup who visited West Seattle shores this weekend, with another plea to please respect the city law against dogs on beaches. She says Abe had a narrow escape from an off-leash dog at Lincoln Park. The full story is on the Seal Sitters “blubberblog” site.

Share This

West Seattle traffic: 1st morning of Viaduct-closure workweek
October 24, 2011 5:39 am
|      137 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

(What follows is our as-it-happened morning-commute coverage. PM-commute updates later!)

(More cams on the WSB Traffic page; travel times on the city Travelers’ Info map)
It’s here – the first of five weekdays without the Alaskan Way Viaduct. We’re covering the commute with any and all information you need to know, regarding the bridges, the West Seattle Water Taxi (this week’s special schedule is here), I-5, and more.

FIRST PROBLEM OF THE MORNING: A crash on I-5 northbound at Mercer, and a thunderstorm that dumped a lot of rain in a short period of time – it’s dried out now but there’s standing water in spots. Suggested alternate route: West Seattle Bridge east to 4th Avenue South, get off and head north into downtown.

Our “Viaduct Crunch” partners at KING 5 are also posting minute-by-minute updates for the wider region, here.

6:06 AM UPDATE: Eastbound West Seattle Bridge still in good shape; a KING crew just reported live, driving onto it from the Avalon/Admiral/etc. access point, no backups. IMPORTANT WATER TAXI NOTE: If you’re parking on Harbor don’t let the “NO PARKING” signs scare you – they are meant to restrict overnight parking just this week, so that more street spaces on Harbor are clear (in addition to those 100+ extra spaces at Don Armeni.

6:18 AM UPDATE: The bridge backup has begun. (added – photo Tony Welch sent in the 6 am hour)

Meantime, from the Water Taxi dock: First run, 6:15 am just left, and we’re told 106 paid passengers were on board – “easily quadruple” the usual load for first thing in the morning.

(***the rest of our as-it-happened coverage is archived after the jump***)Read More

Share This