TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Finally Friday

(Click any view for a close-up)
6:43 AM: Good morning. No incidents in/from West Seattle so far, but some notes/alerts to share:

WATER TAXI: Doc Maynard has returned to the West Seattle run this morning, now that Sally Fox is fixed and back for Vashon.

EXTRA HIGHWAY 99 LANE CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: From WSDOT:

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation continue building sign foundations along a one-mile stretch of SR 99/Aurora Avenue North, intermittently closing two lanes in each direction. This Friday night through Saturday morning, two lanes will be closed between Highland Drive, just north of Mercer Street and the Aurora Bridge. The closure starts at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29 and will end by 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30.

A reminder to drivers that one median lane will remain closed around the clock until this first phase of work is complete.

8:12 AM: Trouble on northbound I-5 – crash blocking a lane near the James/Madison exits.

8:25 AM: SDOT reports a crash at 35th/Avalon. The SFD response is already closed, so no serious injuries.

8:30 AM: … and now a new dispatch to the same incident. If you’re on the bus or at the stop and can see it, let us know – 206-293-6302 text or voice – scanner info can be cursory.

8:52 AM: Thanks to the texters who’ve sent details on 35th/Avalon – it’s blocking the middle lane northbound but vehicles including buses are able to get around.

Smitty January 29, 2016 (7:51 am)

Smitty pet peeve time.We all know that the right lane heading eastbound on the WSB in the a.m. between 35th and the factory moves faster than then left lane up until the “merge”. Why? Not sure.That said, all you folks who “cheat” your way up by staying in the right lane until just before the merge need to use existing gaps when you move left. To barrel down the right lane only to “force” your way left when convenient for YOU creates a “slinky effect” that adds to the left lane slowdown. There are plenty of “phone gaps”(another of my many peeves) that you can take advantage of. Thank you!

Joe January 29, 2016 (8:40 am)

Re: Accident at Avalon /35th.. One of the worst intersections in WS! Scofflaws abound too. Soon to be made worse once Pecos opens. Traffic will back up into the Fauntleroy intersection and bridge with people trying to turn left.

Joe January 29, 2016 (8:46 am)

I’ve made suggestions to DOT in the past which is like spitting in the wind.

Joe January 29, 2016 (8:49 am)

James/Madison I5 north still bad.

Joe January 29, 2016 (9:21 am)

It’s backed up every morning though. It’s made worse by people waiting to get in at the last minute in the lane that goes to I90 but it’s ok because no one takes 90 east in the morning. You have a mile to get over but go ahead and stop in the lane blocking access to I 90.

Joe January 29, 2016 (9:23 am)

Always liked your perspective Smitty. Example, we feel the same way about the 4th Ave off ramp.

ktrapp January 29, 2016 (9:38 am)

Kudos to the individual BACKING UP to avoid getting on the on ramp from the bridge to northbound 99 this morning at around 7:00 am. That took an amazing amount of lack of concern for your own safety, and the other drivers around you, to throw your car into reverse and move back down the ramp.

Cynical girl January 29, 2016 (10:05 am)

Smitty- rest assured, I never, ever let anyone merge at that spot. I just shake my head “no” and get the middle finger in return. Also do it on I-5 north with the d’town exits. Hate with the fire of a 1000 suns when cars leave 7 bus lengths of space just so they can stop to play on their phone. Again I get the finger when I motion them to move up.

Sorry, comment time is over.