Update: Man killed in motorcycle crash on northbound 99

11:35 PM: Northbound Highway 99 is closed in the stadium zone because of a crash involving a motorcycle. Police have closed the ramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge, too, since there’s no place to detour before that. Per radio communications, they’re working now to figure out how to reroute the traffic that is already on 99 and now stopped. The closure is likely to last a while, as the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad has been dispatched.

12:27 AM: The motorcycle rider was killed, according to SFD.

NOTE: Official updates have been scarce so far, so the highway might reopen before there’s official word; if you’re heading out early and want an update, you can check this camera to see if traffic has resumed on NB 99.

5:12 AM: According to citywide media, 99 has reopened.

10:56 AM: More details now via a report on SPD Blotter – the rider was a 34-year-old man pronounced dead at the scene (not yet identified by name); police found no evidence that another vehicle was involved, but believe speed was a factor.

MetPatrick May 19, 2014 (12:42 am)

Passed by the scene SB about 20 mins ago, all I saw were 3 cop cars and one red passenger vehicle facing NB just before the onramp to SR99 blocking SR99 and TC team (yet) No motorcycle seen either but that would explain the cops I saw.

Celeste17 May 19, 2014 (3:20 am)

How sad! I hope no one else was injured. Prayers for the family.

rocky raccoon May 19, 2014 (3:22 am)

As usual, the WSB is the place to go to find out WTF is going on, even when it’s not in West Seattle.

Good work!

Fbomb May 19, 2014 (9:47 am)

ugh, unfortunate…curious as to what happened? were there any other vehicles involved? who was at fault?

WSB May 19, 2014 (9:56 am)

Absolutely no info beyond what we have here. TV stations mentioned it too but even their web blurbs have nothing additional. I would have expected SPD Blotter to write it up but (a) the media-relations team is in transition and (b) they are likely very busy at the moment with the fact the police-chief nominee is about to be announced by the mayor. If nothing emerges during the day, I’ll check later – my first priority for police followup this morning was the Friday bank robbery (have a bit of info on that but no visuals, checking with FBI). – TR
- WSB May 19, 2014 (10:56 am)
  
  And an update .. now on SPD Blotter. Adding the link and key points, above.
  .
  http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2014/05/19/motorcyclist-dies-after-crash-on-the-alaskan-way-viaduct/

Scotty May 19, 2014 (11:55 am)

Please keep us updated. We’ve already lost too many riders this Spring.

WS Mom May 19, 2014 (9:40 pm)

Correct me if I’m wrong – but I think there has been 4 fatal motorcycle crashes in that short stretch on 99 (north & south bound) since the tunnel dig started. Super sad.

rocky raccoon May 20, 2014 (3:59 am)

It is sad, but people bring it on themselves. There are very visible signs with flashing lights indicating a 25mph speed limit through those sharp curves, but everyone thinks it doesn’t apply to them. I drive a Metro bus through there many times a week and see everyone speeding through there, unable to stay in their lane at the speed they’re traveling. Spring always brings out the worst in motorcyclists. I’ve been one for forty years, so I’m not a hater.

phil dirt May 22, 2014 (9:13 am)

Wait until the tunnel freeway is finished if you think congestion due to accidents is bad now.

Seashell May 22, 2014 (11:17 pm)

I agree with rocky raccoon. Signs posted as warning. I don’t think curves are really that “sharp”, pic on sign if over dramtic compared to reality of road. I understand there are only so many configurattions for signs and this a warning sign. I drive everyday to and from work (granted I’m in a small car, not bike) but going 25 is quite slow if not bumper to bumper traffic. Bikers and drivers need to be smarter and make better judgement calls for conditions while driving.

Sorry, comment time is over.