FERRY FIXES: Getting ready for future ‘quick wins,’ during a backed-up Friday in Fauntleroy
Another Friday afternoon/evening backup for drivers headed to the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. (One texter told us the line was past the Lincoln Park gas station by quarter past 3.) This time, though, it had official observers:
Washington State Ferries sent this explanatory announcement earlier in the afternoon:
Beginning at 3:00 pm (today), a team of WSF staff members will be at Fauntleroy terminal to observe traffic conditions and collect baseline data. Today’s traffic and data observation is the beginning of WSF’s internal process to help implement a series of “quick win” recommendations created by the Triangle Improvement Task Force citizen advisory group. The task force’s recommendations aim to speed up vehicle processing through the tollbooth. WSF and the task force aim to launch a pilot program this spring and roll out final changes in time for start of the summer schedule (June 25, 2017).
We’ve been reporting on that process, most recently last month, when the advisory group wrapped up the first phase of its meetings (background from WSF is here).
Since the meeting we covered, WSF has published the official report on how it plans to make the “quick wins” happen – see it here (PDF) and embedded below:
None of those changes have been made yet – today’s “observation” was a preparatory step, so the hours-long backup this afternoon/evening was the result of current procedures that have yet to be changed. We’ll continue to cover this, including updates when WSF decides how and when to start the “pilot” program.
Metro bus stop in West Seattle to be shared by Microsoft shuttle starting Monday
(Click to see full-size PDF map)
Just found out about this via a Metro transit alert today: A citywide “pilot project” to have private shuttle buses share some Metro stops will include one stop in West Seattle, at California/Spokane (see the map above), starting next Monday. Here’s what the city says about it on the webpage linked in the text alert:
The City of Seattle and King County Metro are collaborating with Seattle Children’s Hospital and Microsoft to conduct a six-month pilot that will allow these participating organizations’ employer-provided shuttles to temporarily share a select set of public transit stops with King County Metro buses.
This pilot was carefully developed over the last two years. The pilot project will test the feasibility of allowing employer-provided shuttles to use public transit stops while minimizing impacts to public transit operations.
This pilot will be evaluated by Seattle Department of Transportation and King County Metro representatives using a set of agreed-upon performance metrics and evaluation criteria. Should the pilot be deemed successful, it may be expanded to include additional local employers with workforce shuttle systems as well as more public transit stops.
The pilot will launch April 24. The map on this page shows the 11 public transit stops designated by King County Metro and approved by SDOT where employer-provided shuttles will be allowed to stop. Participating employers will pay a permit fee to use the stops. Special signage will designate each stop as a shuttle location. We will monitor and assess operational issues, which will help determine the potential long-term viability of a permanent program.
Please feel free to contact us to share your thoughts: 206-256-5100 or sharedstoppilot@seattle.gov
Microsoft’s Connector bus service already has at least three stops in West Seattle, according to online schedules and maps, but apparently none are also Metro stops. We noted the service’s West Seattle debut way back in 2008.
BIZNOTE: Experimac now open in north Morgan Junction
Experimac is now open at 6040 California SW (just north of longtime WSB sponsor West Seattle Office Junction). Proprietor Travis Weaver is the local franchisee of this nationwide chain of stores that sell used Apple computer/phone equipment as well as doing repairs. After a tip from Rick, we noted the “coming soon” signs a while back, never made contact with anyone but then noticed while passing that the shop was open today, so we stopped in – they just opened the doors yesterday, Weaver said. His shop is open 10 am-7 pm Mondays-Fridays, 10 am-5 pm Saturdays, closed Sundays.
VIDEO: More SW Admiral Way changes in the works, SDOT tells Alki Community Council
Six months after SDOT rechannelized most of SW Admiral Way west of California SW, more changes are on the way. A briefing from SDOT transportation planner David Burgesser was part of last night’s Alki Community Council meeting – we recorded it on video, as you can see and hear above. There’s actually not much to see — no slide deck, because SDOT says it’s all being designed right now, but they’re planning “crossing improvements” at six intersections along Admiral:
-49th SW
-SW Lander (at 53rd SW)
-SW Stevens
-59th SW
-61st SW
-63rd SW
Some of the improvements will be “painted curb bulbs” to narrow the crossing distance for pedestrians, possibly decorative with a “beach theme,” said SDOT’s Burgesser. But one intersection might be in line for a major change – he said that the five-way intersection at 59th SW/Admiral is being studied for conversion to an all-way stop. Right now, it has a pedestrian-activated signal; that would be converted to flashing red during a study period, Burgesser said.
One thing they’re not going to do: Make changes at 57th SW. That was explained in an e-mail from SDOT’s Dawn Schellenberg:
We also heard support and concern for adding a crosswalk at 57th Ave SW. One suggestion was to shift the bus stops east closer to Schmitz Park. Generally, folks agreed sight distances for crossing Admiral were better at this location; and it would have less impact to on-street parking. We met with King County Metro staff onsite to discuss the change. Because the bridge was not built to withstand the weight of buses stopping there, we looked at shifting the stop west away from the bridge. Unfortunately, the sight distances are not good for their drivers. Therefore, at this time we’re holding on any changes at 57th Ave SW.
Her e-mail added, “We also committed to evaluating speeds and crashes about one year after the street was restriped. Evaluation will happen over the summer/fall timeframe. We look forward to reviewing and sharing the data; and learning how the street is functioning and if any additional tweaks are needed.”
As noted on the project page, and reiterated by Burgesser at last night’s meeting, the next round of changes will be made before year’s end, and will be brought to the community once the designing’s done.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Outback
2:18 PM: Reader report, from Andy: “Our car was stolen from in front of our house near High Point last night. It’s a 1996 Subaru Impreza Outback, license AJX 3354. It looks like a twenty-year-old version of (the image at right).” If you see it, call 911.
9:08 PM: Andy reports the car’s been recovered.
West Seattle whale watching: Orcas headed this way, northbound
(Added 3:38 pm: Photos by Gary Jones, two of the orcas – male, above; female, below – as they passed Alki Point)
12:36 PM: Thanks to the texter who just let us know that local orca fans are tracking two groups of transient orcas headed this way (northbound) – one along the east side of Vashon, one along the west side. According to Orca Network commenters, they could be in view off West Seattle’s west shore before too long. Please let us know if you see them! Comment, or text/call 206-293-6302 – thanks!
2:07 PM: Texter says whales are visible now from Lowman Beach!
2:37 PM: And now a text that two males are passing Alki Point.
Glo Dental Studio: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
Today we’re welcoming Glo Dental Studio as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what Glo would like you to know about how they can help you:
Get to Know Glo! West Seattle’s newest Advanced Dentistry opened its doors in April 2017, in order to help people of all ages achieve their perfect smile. Dr. Ronald Winn, D.D.S., and the experienced professionals at Glo Dental Studio provide a comprehensive variety of cosmetic, restorative, preventative, and advanced dentistry services. Glo Dental combines industry-leading treatments, procedures, and techniques with advanced dental technology to produce transformational, lasting results.
The Glo Dental team is committed to providing personalized dental-care plans for each patient, flexible to any budget, in order to meet the individual needs of each patient, and with an overall goal of promoting optimal oral health. Glo Dental is strongly committed to the West Seattle community and has built partnerships with the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders, and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
(Take a 360-degree video tour inside Glo Dental Studio by going here)
SPECIAL! Glo Dental Studio is offering a $200 care credit for new patients! Sign up today to receive a $200 patient-care credit when opening a new Glo Dental account and receive an additional +$50 per family member added to your Glo Family Dental Care Account. Please visit glodental.com/glo to for more info on our new-patient special. We hope to see you soon! Glo Dental Studio is at 3295 SW Avalon Way, 206-456-6263 (or book your appointment online).
We thank Glo Dental Studio for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
5 highlights for your West Seattle Friday night!
Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for the baby-hummingbirds photo! But unless you’re a baby bird, this is going to be too nice a night to just hang around the nest. Here are five highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LIVE MUSIC AT SALTY’S: 5-8 pm, the Dave Holo Trio gets jazzy at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), and you know it’s going to be a gorgeous night by the water. No cover/minimum; happy-hour specials until 6 pm. (1936 Harbor SW)
PLANT FOR THE PLANET: On Earth Day Eve, your environmentally minded kid(s) can be part of the new monthly West Seattle meeting of Plant for the Planet (see our preview here). 7 pm at the Puget Ridge Cohousing Common House. RSVP by e-mail – our calendar listing explains how. (7020 18th SW)
WARRIOR’S CALL: HEALING THROUGH SERVICE: 7 pm at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, hear from the veterans of VeteransRespond, who “felt called to support environmental rights and Native Lands”:
The event will feature brave warriors who are veterans of both the US Armed Services and of the Standing Rock Movement. Joseph George, an Air Force Veteran; Brandee Paisano, a US Navy Veteran and Laguna Pueblo Native; and Mark Sanderson, a US Army Veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, will be among the powerful speakers telling their stories.
Opening ceremony and prayer will be led by members of the Duwamish Tribe.
The event is free. More info in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Singer-songwriter Russell James Pyle is at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL: Next best thing to being out on the water is watching films about being out on the water – and if you agree, the Reel Paddling Film Festival‘s tour stop at Pershing Hall is where you’ll want to be, 7:15 pm. Ticket info is in our calendar listing. (3618 SW Alaska)
OF COURSE THERE’S MORE … see our complete-calendar page.
From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: Commercial in Sunrise Heights
(WSB photo)
Thanks to Corie for asking about the film/video crew in Sunrise Heights, near 32nd and Webster. Before getting there, we guessed this just might be a beautiful day to shoot a commercial … and turns out that’s indeed what’s going on. For Amazon. Wasn’t easy to find someone to ask; no further details, but we’ll check back later.
EARTH DAY: Lafayette Elementary cleanup on Saturday
Looking for someplace to make a difference tomorrow, on Earth Day? We’ve already featured Duwamish Alive! – but there are smaller events, too, like this one at Lafayette Elementary, all ages welcome:
On April 22nd we will be celebrating Earth Day here at Lafayette from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. It is a Saturday morning and we will be having a community clean-up day. We are joining hands with our self-help and Jackson Lewis P.C. We will have at least 25 volunteers. Please bring your child and help clean up/ freshen up Lafayette’s grounds this Earth Day! There will be water, juice, donuts, and coffee.
The school is at California/Lander.
TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Sunny Friday; NB 99, EB West Seattle Bridge crashes
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:20 AM: Good morning! Lots of sunshine. No incidents.
DOWNTOWN ALERT: KeyArena has a big event today, “WE Day,” running through 4 pm – it’s on the SDOT list of potentially traffic-affecting events.
9:19 AM: If you’re heading out late – there’s a crash on the NB Viaduct at Seneca. Also, a crash response just dispatched to the eastbound bridge before the 99 exit – SDOT says it’s a multiple-car crash. (And we have multiple reports that the C Line is diverting to 4th as a result.)
9:22 AM: Scanner says the 99 crash/response also has the Seneca exit blocked.
9:56 AM: Two lanes are now open again at the 99 crash scene, per police, heard via scanner.
10:07 AM: SDOT reports the Viaduct scene is completely cleared. No updates on the bridge yet but looking at the one camera that’s working right now, it appears a tow truck is on scene.
10:21 AM: And now SDOT says the bridge crash scene is clear, too.
| 8 COMMENTS