TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates

(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
The commute is on – nothing out of the ordinary on routes through/from West Seattle so far.

DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT REMINDER: Seawall work resumes today and that means changes along the downtown waterfront, some involving transportation. Here’s the SDOT reminder.

8:42 AM: We’re commuting downtown again today (second day of the 3078 Avalon appeal hearing – here’s our report on day 1) and while the bridge was OK, 4th Avenue is more sluggish than we’ve experienced before, including several light cycles to get off the overpass and onto 4th.

Bruce October 1, 2014 (8:30 am)

I guess having the low rise bridge open yesterday around 7:45am during rush hour worked so well at snarling traffic to discourage cars, they decided to do it again this morning.

drahcir61 October 1, 2014 (8:34 am)

To the cyclist this morning at 16th Ave SW turning left on SW Myrtle (8am), bright yellow jersey, I see you almost every day …
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My dog & I have the RIGHT OF WAY in the crosswalk & you are REQUIRED BY LAW to stop or at the very least, slow down & yield … you did neither.
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There were no cars in sight, my dog doesn’t walk well & our timing getting across any street is always a challenge … & then you show up out of nowhere taking the corner at full speed zooming past us (we’re in the MIDDLE of the crosswalk!!!).
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As you zoomed by I told you, “you’re supposed to stop!” And you were shaking your head “no” as you kept driving.
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Hey, I have a bike too with lights, horn, panniers, helmet … my wife commutes downtown every day on her bike … but we peddle responsibly so that NO ONE is at risk.
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You should too.

S October 1, 2014 (9:53 am)

Well said drahcir61. The only way we’re all going to get there safely is if everyone follows the rules.

Stickinthespokes October 1, 2014 (10:17 am)

Another reason to register cyclists on the road. Growing up on army bases we had a sticker on our bikes to help ID lost/stolen bikes and if you were a bad boy (or girl) the MP’s would contact your mommy and daddy. After that you were glad your bike had a real soft seat.

Trickycoolj October 1, 2014 (10:30 am)

Curious if there was an issue with the South Park Bridge around 9:00 this morning. The lights were flashing and gates were down but for the 25 minutes we sat there I never saw the bridge actually move. I did see a lot of cars pull some shady maneuvers to get out of line, though not sure where they went if SP Bridge is up I’m sure 1st Ave is right after it.

WSB October 1, 2014 (10:41 am)

Tricky, I checked the various Twitter feeds that tend to mention bridge openings … nothing mentioned.

dcn October 1, 2014 (12:44 pm)

I think something changed about a week ago with the timing of light cycles for the 4th Ave S off-ramp from the WS Bridge and the light at 4th and Spokane. The off-ramp been backing up because when it is green, there is a backup of cars on 4th from the light at Spokane St. So, no cars can move while the light is green. Cars have to sneak the right turn on red when they can. The one thing that helps this is if the pedestrian walk light is activated.

WSB October 1, 2014 (1:09 pm)

Thanks, DCN. We have used that ramp more than a few times but this is the first time I’ve experienced that … leading us to wonder if we should have just gotten into the queue for 99!