West Seattle Blog…

West Seattle traffic alert: Bridge-crash backup

1:25 PM: This problem was first mentioned in our daily traffic watch, but since it hasn’t cleared yet, we’re escalating: There’s a multiple-vehicle crash just past the 99 ramp to the high-rise West Seattle Bridge, which is down to one lane at that spot – as currently shown on the “live” camera above – and WSB’ers tell us it’s backed up the Spokane Street Viaduct all the way to I-5. So if you have to get back to West Seattle sometime soon, consider taking 99 past the bridge, to enter via Highland Park. We’re checking to see if anyone was hurt in the crash.

2:04 PM: Bridge camera is showing a tow truck on scene.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday notes, sub-freezing edition

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:18 AM: Below freezing again this morning, with temps in the mid-20s right now. Two advisories: West Seattle Bridge lane closures again today, 10 am-4 pm, for LED streetlight installation. And the half-block construction-related closure of 42nd SW in The Junction, south of SW Alaska, continues each weekday 7 am-3:30 pm through the end of next week.

12:56 PM: Crash on the westbound bridge, high-rise vicinity.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates; 3 traffic advisories

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:11 AM: For starters: The below-freezing air has finally arrived. The Boeing Field temp, usually the closest to ours, was 27 at the top of the hour.

7:40 AM: Jana reports a crash on the eastbound bridge, “red lights everywhere.” Nothing on the 911 log so far.

8:04 AM: Per scanner, there’s debris – “ladder, boxes, some wood” – on the eastbound bridge. No specific spot mentioned yet. Also, a report of a crash at Delridge/Andover, with the drivers possibly in some kind of post-crash argument.

8:31 AM: Also from the scanner, police heading to check out a report of an incident/crash possibly involving a Metro bus, California/Edmunds. (Update: Thanks to NanC for an eyewitness report in comments below.)

9:13 AM: Thanks to Mike Jensen for the Twitter update on the bridge debris – he says a crew is out cleaning them up, which is/was blocking the left lane of the eastbound bridge.

****

Three advisories today:

BRIDGE LANE CLOSURES: Today through Friday, the city plans to install LED streetlights on the high-rise bridge, and that means lane closures, starting with sections of the eastbound right-hand lane 10 am-4 pm today. Here’s the advisory we published Tuesday.

42ND SW ALERT: The half-block closure of 42nd SW between Alaska and Edmunds continues today, according to an advisory from Andersen Construction, which is working on the two-building mixed-use development at 42nd/Alaska/California.

They’re connecting sewer lines and expect the closures to continue daily through Friday and again next Monday-Friday, 7 am-3:30 pm. Access is maintained to 42nd SW businesses, but you can’t take a right turn when leaving Jefferson Square.

SW GENESEE ALERT: The prefab-townhouse project continues today on SW Genesee west of 26th SW, and that means a lane is blocked at times. Here’s our coverage from Tuesday.

LED lights to be installed on high-rise West Seattle Bridge

In its recent announcement that LED-streetlight installation was complete on neighborhood streets in its service area, Seattle City Light mentioned arterials were next. That includes the West Seattle Bridge, where installation is planned later this week, according to this announcement from SDOT:

The Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle City Light plan to work on the high-level, West Seattle Bridge on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Dec. 4, 5 and 6, if weather conditions permit. SDOT crews will perform maintenance work, and SCL crews will install LED lights.

On Wednesday the eastbound, right-hand lane will be closed from 10 am to 4 pm. The closure will extend for approximately 400 to 500 feet, and will be repositioned as the work progresses along the length of the bridge. On Thursday, the westbound, right lane will be closed starting at 8:30 am until no later than 2:30 pm. On Friday, Dec. 6, the westbound, left-hand lane will be closed, again from 8:30 am until no later than 2:30 pm.

LED lights are already in place on the Spokane Street Viaduct (east end of the bridge).

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday updates; Metro meeting tonight

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
One commute note so far this morning – King County says it’s canceling the Vashon Water Taxi runs because it’s too windy. The temperature hasn’t dropped below freezing in our area – mid-30s right now in Seattle – so you might not have to worry about icy roads today; let us know if you find otherwise. However, you might need extra time to clear your windshield if you use a vehicle that’s been parked outside; the graupel/ice pellets that fell on ours last night is still on the windshield and back window.

METRO MEETING TONIGHT: No funding solution has emerged yet to keep Metro from proceeding with plans for major service cuts, so the plan for a community meeting tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 6-8 pm, is on. Open-house format with a presentation/small-group discussions scheduled at 7, per the county.

DE-ICER DEBACLE FOLLOWUP: Added to our Monday coverage of the two-hour West Seattle Bridge closure following crashes blamed on an early de-icer application – an SDOT manager’s explanatory memo. He writes that it was done early because of a “wrong” forecast, expecting an early temperature drop, and early Seahawks-game traffic.

8:21 AM UPDATE: In comments, “Enough” points out a two-car crash on the eastbound bridge, indicating the Spokane St. Viaduct section; 911 log is less specific, calling it only the eastbound bridge “from Fauntleroy.”

Also, looks like the modular-townhome project near 26th SW/SW Genesee (previewed here over the weekend) is on for today – a commenter says the cranes arrived this morning. That could affect traffic on SW Genesee west of Delridge; we’ll be checking later to see how it’s going and what the operation looks like.

8:37 AM UPDATE: Yet another note – a reader tip suggests a continuation today of an unannounced partial closure of 42nd SW in The Junction, part of the block between Alaska and Edmunds that we heard about yesterday just before the de-icer debacle diverted us. We’re checking with the construction company to see how long this is expected to last.

And if you’re thinking about 4th Avenue South this morning, note that an emergency response is checking out a reported crash parallel with the east side of CenturyLink Field.

Update: West Seattle Bridge reopens after 2-hour closure following crashes on deicer-slick road; ‘wrong’ forecast blamed

(ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: SDOT manager’s memo about how this unfolded)

(Photo added 2:23 pm, by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
12:49 PM: Thanks to the tipsters who have messaged us about at least one crash on the eastbound bridge, possibly more. Checking.

(Police blocking 35th/Fauntleroy bridge entrance)
1:04 PM: Bridge being blocked at 35th – multiple incidents, and emergency-radio traffic indicates de-icer suspected.

1:18 PM: Police at 35th/Fauntleroy tell us entire bridge is closing. Fauntleroy is closed eastbound at Avalon, and that’s causing a backup all its own – here’s the closest traffic cam (refresh for latest “live” image):

1:28 PM: Scanner confirms SDOT crews are responding to put down sand/”material” to “combat the slickness” – also to fix the jersey barrier damaged by at least one of the crashes. The slickness was noticeable on the road at 35th/Fauntleroy – we were wondering where what looked like water had come from – when we passed through, just before getting word of how serious this situation was. Radio indicates that ALL access points to the bridge are being closed – including from I-5 and from Beacon Hill (Columbian Way).

1:37 PM: As you’d expect, the low bridge is reported to be backing up too. One way to get back to West Seattle if you need to: Take 1st or 4th southbound to the 1st Avenue South Bridge, get off at the South Park entrance but head north and then west up Highland Park Way back into WS. (Added: Some people are apparently still using the westbound bridge because, according to radio traffic, the I-5 entrances haven’t or hadn’t been blocked off.)

(City crew working on bridge by Fauntleroy-approach curb; WSB reader photo)
1:48 PM: Now there’s word of a spinout on southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct.

(WSB photo: Backup on 35th approaching the bridge)
2:30 PM: Roads that approach the bridge are backed up. SDOT crews are on the bridge working to combat the slickness. Buses that usually take the Viaduct/bridge are rerouted onto the low bridge until this clears. Until it’s over, leaving or heading toward West Seattle is best advised from the south side, through Highland Park. The South Park Bridge was drawn open for a while but commenters say it’s closing now.

2:40 PM UPDATE: From Rick Sheridan at SDOT:

With colder temperatures approaching, SDOT applied liquid de-icer to the high-rise bridge as a pretreatment prior to the evening commute and football game.

Due to current warm temperatures, the de-icer can create a brief period of slippery conditions, especially if vehicles are traveling above the posted speed limit.

Out of caution, SDOT is applying sand on both directions of the structure to address any traction issues. We expect the bridge will reopen by 3:00 p.m.

2:46 PM UPDATE: To our followup question regarding whether there was anything different in the formula or the amount, Sheridan replied, “Not that we are currently aware of.”

2:52 PM UPDATE: Eastbound bridge is reopening now, per scanner. And westbound opening “in a few minutes.” Here’s the “live” bridge camera:

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
3:06 PM UPDATE: The official call just went out – westbound is reopening too.

3:53 PM UPDATE: The 99 southbound ramp to the westbound high bridge apparently has lagged in reopening – a commenter says his crash scene isn’t clear there yet. Meantime, this isn’t the only time de-icer has been blamed as a factor in crashes – via Twitter, @cooljames points out this Whidbey Island report from 2008.

4:15 PM UPDATE: Per commenters, the ramp from 99 to the bridge is now open TOO – but remember, traffic remains tougher than usual with the Seahawks game an hour and a half away.

4:38 PM UPDATE: We asked City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, the West Seattle resident who chairs the council’s Transportation Committee, if he would be looking into this. Short answer: Yes. Longer answer:

Earlier today, prior to the de-icing related accidents, I spoke to the SDOT Director about preparation for freezing weather, which is predicted tonight and through the week. Record cold weather may be on its way next week.

This should be considered a significant incident by SDOT and I have requested the Director to provide me with a report as soon as they are able to piece together what happened and why. I will let West Seattle know what I learn as soon as I receive the report.

The Director will also brief the Transportation Committee on Tuesday, December 10. The meeting begins at 9:30 AM and will be televised on the Seattle Channel.

ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: Councilmember Rasmussen forwarded e-mail he received from an SDOT manager explaining how it unfolded. Here, verbatim, is what SDOT’s Steve Pratt wrote:

Based upon all the available forecasts on hand at 8 AM today, 12-2-13, we made a
decision this morning to apply our anti-icing pretreatment to the WS High Rise, the AWV, Aurora Bridge, and a couple of other sites around Century Link Field, (bridges over ARGO, etc). We started this work around noon as the “cold snap” that was in the forecast as late as 9:23 AM from WeatherNet was calling for hail/ice in the time frame of 1-3PM. Our effort was to get ahead of any ice and or sudden temp drops such as occurred on 11-22-2010. We were also concerned about the traffic volumes headed for the MNF game which were predicted to start building around 3PM.

We applied MgCl on the WS High Rise between 12-1PM. I drove the bridge westbound at 12:10PM and then returned eastbound at 12:50PM, after stopping for a quick lunch at the Chelan Café. The application was completed by the time of my return trip. I observed that the road surface appeared “wet” and that the MgCl had not “set up” yet. I accelerated the vehicle I was driving a couple of times in the eastbound lane and did not break traction. When I arrived at the Chas. St. office at 1:02PM I was informed that there had been “some accidents” in the eastbound lane. It turns out that these were in the curve above the steel company, NUCOR, about 100 ft. to 250 ft. north of the pedestrian bridge north of 35th/Fauntleroy. We immediately contacted our driver and had him stop applying any more MgCl. He had treated the Aurora Bridge (with no incident) and had treated the southbound curb lane on the AWV between the Battery St. Tunnel in the short section that is “open air” before it tucks under the northbound upper deck structure, with no incident.

Several things occurred during this incident. The deck on the W. Seattle bridge was warmer than our usual application time, (during the night for AM commutes), and the material did not “set up” as quickly as we are used to, (ten to fifteen minutes). The accidents were all in the same section, all in a downhill curve where cars naturally pick up speed. There were NO accidents in the West Bound lanes anywhere on the W. Seattle bridge or its appurtenant streets.

SPD made a decision based upon the safety of the motoring public to close the Eastbound Lanes, and then they subsequently closed the Westbound Lanes. They requested that we apply sand to the surfaces on both sets of lanes. We mobilized our folks out of the W. Seattle shop to accomplish that and the east bound lanes opened back up at 2:52PM and the west bound lanes at 3:08PM. We coordinated these activities with SPD.

The intent of this effort, the application of the MgCl, was to get ahead of the predicted cold snap to freezing temperatures by 3-5PM. The forecast was wrong.

MgCl is magnesium chloride.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Post-Thanksgiving Monday on the move

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)

Will we have weather wildness? Won’t know until we see it (or don’t see it), but here are some things we do know, as the week begins:

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL AT THE CLINK TONIGHT: Be mindful of the traffic ramifications. Game time for the Seahawks and Saints: 5:40 pm.

NO MORE DELRIDGE DETOUR: Thanks to a tip, we reported Friday that Delridge Way SW is now fully reopened, after what appears to have been an early end to the bulk of the final and southernmost phase of the almost-year-long paving project.

26TH SW TEMPORARILY NARROWED: South of SW Genesee, 26th SW is temporarily home to about a dozen big white-covered modules that will be turned into townhouses nearby this week, so drive carefully if you use that stretch. Here’s our report from Saturday; at last report, the work was penciled in for Tuesday/Wednesday.

METRO MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT: No transportation-funding solution yet, so Metro continues to proceed as if it will have to make those dramatic service cuts outlined last month. Find out and speak out about them at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center tomorrow (Tuesday, December 3rd) night, 6-8 pm.

HIGHWAY 99 CLOSURE NEXT WEEKEND, NORTH OF BATTERY ST. TUNNEL: Early heads-up – midnight Friday night until 5 am Monday morning, Highway 99 will be closed from the Battery Street Tunnel northward to Valley Street “while crews switch the roadway from the west side of the street to the east side of the street.”

BICYCLE MASTER PLAN UPDATED: In case you haven’t seen it yet – the final proposed updated version is out, and will be aired at a round of meetings starting this week. Your comments are invited too. SDOT explains, here.

Check back for today’s traffic updates, as/when needed!

**MONDAY AFTERNOON NOTE: For full coverage of this afternoon’s de-icer debacle, which closed the bridge for two hours, go here.**

West Seattle ferry update: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth back to 3 boats

3:38 PM: Washington State Ferries says the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is now on a two-boat schedule because M/V Klahowya is out for repairs – compounding the challenges of thick fog and heavy holiday traffic. We’ll update if/when this changes.

8:59 PM: Back to three boats.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Pre-holiday Wednesday watch

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
It’s not only Thanksgiving Eve and, at sunset, the first night of Hanukkah, but we’re also looking ahead to a POSSIBLE blast of wintry weather by weekend’s end – so if you’re leaving town on a holiday getaway, be sure to check on conditions before you come back! We are here 24/7/365 and will be updating with whatever’s happening weather-wise. Also looking ahead:

HOLIDAY TRANSIT CHANGES THURSDAY/FRIDAY: For Metro, it’s a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, “reduced weekday/no UW” on Friday. No West Seattle or Vashon Water Taxi either day. If you have to go downtown Friday morning, remember the holiday parade, which closes off a chunk of central downtown until about 10 am, and features local participants. Washington State Ferries will be on its normal weekday schedule for the holiday.

OTHER HOLIDAY INFO: If you’re looking for Thanksgiving info – including which grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops are open on the holiday – that’s part of what you’ll find in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide. (Plus lots of Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve/Day info too.)

10:35 AM: RapidRide C Line might be experiencing delays because of a D Line reroute following a car crash in the lower Queen Anne area, Metro warns.

4:43 PM: Update on those downtown bus stops that were closed for a while:

The bus stops eastbound on Seneca St just west of 3rd Av and westbound on Columbia St just east of 2nd Av have reopened after being closed due to earlier construction.

The RapidRide C Line, routes 21 Express, 55, 56, 57 & 120 to downtown Seattle, the RapidRide D Line to Ballard and routes 16 & 66 to Northgate have resumed normal operation on eastbound Seneca St and will serve the stop on Seneca St just west of 3rd Av.

The C Line and Route 125 to Westwood Village, and routes 21 Express to Arbor Heights, 55 to the Admiral District, 56 to Alki, 57 to the Alaska Junction and 120 to Burien have resumed service at the stop westbound on Columbia St just east of 2nd Av.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Foggy Tuesday

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Foggier this morning than Monday … be extra-careful out there, whether you’re driving, walking, or bicycling on slick roads/sidewalks. No other advisories at the moment. But here again is our holiday reminder:

HOLIDAY TRANSIT CHANGES THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Metro runs a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, “reduced weekday/no UW” on Friday. West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxis are out of service both days. (And even if you don’t use transit, if you have to go downtown Friday morning, remember the holiday parade, which closes off a chunk of central downtown until about 10 am.)

7:04 AM UPDATE: Washington State Ferries texts, “All three vessels on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route are delayed and estimated 10-15 minutes due to heavy fog.” The Vashon Water Taxi is delayed too.

8:10 AM UPDATE: Mike Jensen tweets about bridge trouble, on the incline near the Delridge onramp:

Thick fog and a fender bender has the West Seattle bridge (eastbound) backed up cc @westseattleblog @King5TracyT @wsdot

— Mike Jensen (@mjtwit) November 26, 2013

5:45 PM: Crash at Fauntleroy/Alaska is leading to trouble in The Triangle:

Thanks to Brian Presser from TouchTech Systems for the pic.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday on the move

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Icy again today!

REMINDER: WEEKEND CLOSURE: One more reminder: Utility work related to the California/Alaska/42nd construction project will close SW Alaska 10 am-7 pm each day this weekend.

NEW SIGNS: Back on Tuesday, WSB’ers pointed out new stop signs on the 26th SW greenway in North Delridge, and conversation ensued. Yesterday, driving through Morgan Junction, we noticed new signs on California at Fauntleroy, both directions, aimed at drivers/riders intending to make right turns:

We don’t know if this is the only intersection where they went up – let us know if you’ve seen new signs elsewhere.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Frosty Thursday

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
As forecast, it’s cold! Give yourself extra time, whatever your mode of transport – for scraping, or walking safely to the bus stop, or … On the bridge late last night, we saw the telltale stripes left behind by the de-icing crew, so the city has done its prep work. As noted on Twitter:

SDOT treated bridges, viaducts and known icy spots in Seattle with salt brine overnight to fight ice.

— seattledot (@seattledot) November 21, 2013

METRO CONCERN? If you have questions about the potential Metro cuts, this morning in The Junction, from now until around 9:30, a Metro outreach team is scheduled to be tabling – as announced here.

WEEKEND CLOSURE: Now that it’s Thursday, it’s time for another reminder – utility work related to the construction project in the heart of The Junction will close SW Alaska between California and 42nd much of the weekend. We asked Metro whether they would have a reroute alert; short answer, no – longer answer, “Reroutes are very minor/short around the block w/no significant impact to service & no missed stops. No reroutes will be posted & no alerts are scheduled to be sent.”

7:12 AM UPDATE: A crash is reported on the eastbound bridge, according to the online 911 log. Over the radio, crews report it’s on the 35th ramp to the bridge but “is pretty minor.” However, the camera shows a lane blocked – at least temporarily:

7:25 AM UPDATE: The fire engine has left the scene, though police are still there. Watch out, though, for a black Mercedes SUV reported (via police radio) to be driving recklessly north on Fauntleroy past Juneau – passing other cars, fast, via the center turn lane.

7:34 AM UPDATE: As you can see in the “live” camera image above, merging traffic onto the eastbound bridge at 35th/Fauntleroy is back to “normal” again – the crash is all clear.

7:42 AM UPDATE: If you’re heading north of downtown, be forewarned that police and fire are now responding to a crash “mid-span” on the Aurora Bridge. Details on that when we get it. *Update – it involves a spill that will have to be cleaned up and it sounds like northbound traffic is being diverted. Closest camera:

Police are saying they’ll have one lane open south, one north.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday on the move

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:59 AM: Welcome to Wednesday. In case you missed this alert we added to yesterday’s traffic/transit tracker late in the day, after it was sent by SDOT, note some possible downtown delays this morning:

(The) Homeless Advocates March will get underway at 7:45 am after the participants spend the night at Westlake Park. A Seattle Police motorcycle escort will accompany the 100 participants in the street as they make their way east on Pine Street to Fifth Avenue, then southbound on Fifth to the City Hall at Cherry Street. The activists have a goal to “Get 1000 people off the streets by summer 2014.” They will occupy the Committee to End Homelessness in King County (CEHKC) Governing Board Meeting being held at 8:30 am in the Bertha Knight Landes Room of City Hall. Motorists can expect to encounter delays between 7:45 and 8:30 am as the marchers move along the downtown streets. Given the timing of the event, commuters may need to allow for extra time to get to work.

7:27 AM NOTE: It’s much colder this morning than yesterday, but still above freezing. However, forecasters say we’ll likely wake up to below-freezing temperatures tomorrow, so if that might mean windshield-scraping for you, find the scraper today.

9:16 AM: Speaking of frost – some is reported on the ramp from the southbound 99/Viaduct to the westbound West Seattle Bridge, per police radio – they’re calling for help in getting that handled. Also, a one-car crash has been reported on the westbound bridge at the Delridge exit. (Added for the archives: Photo of the crash by alextutu1821, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

10:59 AM: That’s all over, so far as we know. New note: If you have questions about the possible Metro cuts, look for an info-table at The Junction tomorrow (Thursday) morning, 6:30-9:30 am – details here.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tracking Tuesday; new stop signs on 26th SW greenway

(City cameras are broken again, so here’s a state camera, 1st Ave. S. Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:47 AM: No specific incidents so far on the routes through/from West Seattle, but we’re watching as usual, for the morning commute and beyond.

8:05 AM: Thanks to the commenters who pointed out that the SDOT cameras are stuck again. So we’ve switched to two state-run cameras, facing south over the south end of the 1st Avenue So. Bridge, and looking south over I-5 just south of the West Seattle Bridge.

8:33 AM: Tommy and Lindsey have both pointed out that new stop signs are installed on the 26th SW greenway in North Delridge. (Added Tuesday pm: Greenway info/map here) And, not all drivers are noticing. Tommy sent this quick clip:

And Lindsey tweeted:

There's a set of new stop signs up at 26th & Juneau. Beware, a lot of cars haven't noticed them yet. @westseattleblog

— Lindsey Hurd (@lindseyhurd) November 19, 2013

By the way, if you have a question about neighborhood traffic safety, SDOT’s Jim Curtin is the person to ask, and he’s the guest at tonight’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting – 7 pm, Southwest Precinct (Webster/Delridge).

P.S. The city traffic cams are working again, so here’s the east-facing one from the bridge:

For more cams, see the WSB Traffic page.

10:32 AM: SDOT reports via Twitter – and commenters have noted here, too – that northbound 99 is closed at Battery St. Tunnel.

4:32 PM: From SDOT – an alert for tomorrow morning:

Tomorrow morning, November 20, the Homeless Advocates March will get underway at 7:45 a.m. after the participants spend the night at Westlake Park. A Seattle Police motorcycle escort will accompany the 100 participants in the street as they make their way east on Pine Street to Fifth Avenue, then southbound on Fifth to the City Hall at Cherry Street. The activists have a goal to “Get 1000 people off the streets by summer 2014.” They will occupy the Committee to End Homelessness in King County (CEHKC) Governing Board Meeting being held at 8:30 a.m. in the Bertha Landis Room of City Hall. Motorists can expect to encounter delays between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m. as the marchers move along the downtown streets. Given the timing of the event, commuters may need to allow for extra time to get to work.

West Seattle traffic alert: Crash on Delridge Way

11:13 AM: Thanks to the texter who reports a two-vehicle crash is blocking much of Delridge Way SW at Puget Boulevard (map). Emergency personnel are just arriving; we’re on the way to check it out.

11:33 AM: Traffic is getting through via one lane, alternating. One person has been taken to the hospital, we’re told at the scene, the driver of a Ford Ranger that collided with a Jeep Cherokee. We don’t know anything about their condition yet but will be checking with SFD.

7:56 PM UPDATE: SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore tells us, “Medics transported a 53-year-old male driver who was T-boned. He was unconscious but gained consciousness before we transported. At transport, he was alert, oriented, and breathing, and taken to Harborview in stable condition.”

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates; West Seattle Transportation Coalition at 35th/Avalon; seawall project

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
As the Monday commute gets going, two reminders:

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION EVENT @ 35TH/AVALON: At 8:15 am just north of the outbound 35th/Avalon bus stop, the West Seattle Transportation Coalition will join local state, county, and city leaders to call attention to how big a bite will be taken from WS-area transit if funding isn’t found to hold off potential Metro cuts. WSTC says you are welcome to be there to show your concern.

SEAWALL WORK: Downtown waterfront drivers/riders take note, the seawall project is starting in earnest, with this advisory beginning today:

Construction of the temporary roadway beneath the Alaskan Wy. Viaduct begins. Work will include: removal of the existing roadway and angle parking spaces under the Alaskan Wy. Viaduct between Madison St. and Pike St; removal of trees and signal poles on the west side of Alaskan Wy; ongoing relocation of utility and communications duct banks. A minimum of one lane in each direction will be maintained on Alaskan Wy. at all times. Local Access will be maintained to the businesses on the east side of the Viaduct at all times.

NEW SOUTH PARK BRIDGE: On our partner site The South Park News, you’ll find video of last week’s informal community “slideshow” event looking behind the bridge-building scenes. To answer the big question right off the top, the county says “next spring” remains the estimated date for the new bridge’s debut – almost four years after the old one was shut down.

TRAFFIC UPDATE, 9:32 AM: In 4th/Occidental/Lander vicinity in SODO, a car and Seattle Police motorcycle officer have collided, and the investigation is affecting traffic. No other details yet.

TRAFFIC ALERT FOR LATER TODAY, 10:47 AM: From SDOT – this might affect you if you’re downtown this afternoon:

This afternoon the Washington State Labor Council will hold a rally to support the Machinist Union at Westlake Park from 4 – 7 p.m. At least 2,000 participants are expected to attend. At this time, no lane or street closures are planned, but motorists should expect congestion around the park during the afternoon commute, particularly on Fourth Avenue and on Pine Street.

12:30 PM: The crash on Lander in SODO is cleared. KING 5 has details.

Update: Driver sought in hit-run motorcycle crash on West Marginal Way S.

(WSB photo, added 9:45 pm)
9:15 PM: One person has been taken to the hospital after a motorcycle crash at West Marginal Way South/South Holden, by the entrance to northbound Highway 99 (north of the South Transfer Station; map), commonly used if you head down the Highland Park Way hill toward 99. It appeared on the 911 log as a medic response about an hour ago but wasn’t on our radar until Megan tipped us that it was snarling traffic; police have since reopened most of the road, but if you’re heading that way and can wait a bit, that might be a good idea. Police tell us at the scene they’re still trying to find out what happened; no word on the rider’s condition.

SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE: Police say the rider does not have life-threatening injuries. But they are trying to find the reported hit-run driver who caused the crash. Just added to SPD Blotter:

Traffic Collision Investigation Squad (TCIS) detectives are seeking the public’s assistance for a hit and run collision that occurred last night on West Marginal Way South. The collision left a motorcyclist with a broken leg.

At about 8:15 last night, a 26-year-old man on his motorcycle was stopped facing southbound at a red light on West Marginal Way South, waiting to turn onto South Holden Street. Without warning, a vehicle traveling north on W. Marginal Way S. struck the motorcyclist, causing the motorcycle to fall over onto the man, breaking his leg. The vehicle continued to drive north on W. Marginal Way S. without stopping to provide information or render aid.

Seattle Fire responded and treated the motorcyclist. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center. His injury is not considered life-threatening.

The only description detectives have right now of the vehicle is a darker grey (charcoal) vehicle missing its driver’s door side mirror. Anyone with information on this hit and run collision investigation is asked to contact TCIS Detective Schmidt at (206) 684-8935.

West Seattle traffic alert: Junction alley, street closure coming up

The ongoing project at California/Alaska/42nd brings some traffic alerts for next week and the following weekend. While we’re told the notice from general contractor Andersen Construction has already been circulated to nearby businesses and residents, we thought you might appreciate advance notice too, especially about the one block of SW Alaska that will be closed 7 am-10 pm on November 23 and again the following day. The full notice:

Andersen Construction will be performing work in SW Alaska Street on 11/23/13 and 11/24/13 and in adjacent Alley from 11/19/13 to 11/24/13. During this time, primary feeders will be relocated from overhead power poles to an underground ductbank.

The South end of the Alley located North of SW Alaska Street between California Ave SW and 42nd Ave SW will be closed to through traffic and pedestrians from Tuesday, 11/19/13 to Sunday, 11/24/13. Egress will remain open through the North end of the Alley. We may temporarily relocate your garbage and recycling dumpsters, if necessary, in order to remain accessible for your use and scheduled pick-ups.

SW Alaska Street between California Ave SW and 42nd Ave SW will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, 11/23/13 and 11/24/13 from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. This road will be open to traffic before and after work hours; one sidewalk along SW Alaska Street will also remain open during this time.

That weekend is a big one for holiday open houses, with at least three that we know of, but this is NOT affecting parking; we’re not seeing bus-reroute info on the Metro website yet, but will update when that’s out. Keep an eye on our daily traffic/transit roundups next week (always linked atop the sidebar) for any changes.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday on the move

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:40 AM: Nothing unusual reported right now on the routes through/from West Seattle.

8:54 AM: As mentioned in our coverage of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s meeting this week, the group is organizing a media event for Monday morning, seeking regional coverage of how hard West Seattle would be hit by the proposed Metro cuts. They’d love a big show of support, so if you’re able to join them, the details are out now – gathering will be at 8:30 am Monday (November 18th) in the parking lot of The Bridge. They’ll be joined by State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, County Councilmember Joe McDermott, and City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. If you can’t be there – or even if you can – they also are seeking volunteers to help with their four-point strategy – details here.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: What’s happening Thursday

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Routes through/out of West Seattle are “normal” (always a relative term) right now, so far as we’re seeing/hearing.

METRO ALERTS FOR DOWNTOWN: Eastbound Seneca is closed between 2nd and 3rd until the 25th; here’s that alert (and the bus-stop version is here). The westbound Columbia stop east of 2nd is closed through this Friday – here’s that alert.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates

(SCROLL DOWN for ongoing updates)

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:34 AM: A crash on the West Seattle Bridge has closed the western end of the westbound direction; one texter tells us vehicles are being diverted off the bridge at the Admiral exit. And according to the scanner, the eastbound side will have to be closed for repairs to the barrier. We’ll continue to monitor.

6:40 AM UPDATE: Here’s the camera view of the west end of the bridge just east of 35th/Fauntleroy, no traffic either way right now, so you’ll have to enter the eastbound bridge from Avalon/Admiral or Delridge:

6:54 AM UPDATE: As you can see in the camera view, the west end of the bridge is now OPEN again.

8:10 AM UPDATE: A comment reminds us that cancellations of the Vashon Water Taxi affect buses headed this way, so just in case this affects you – the Vashon WT has been canceled all morning because of mechanical trouble with the Melissa Ann; no word yet about afternoon prospects.

DOWNTOWN BUS-STOP ALERT: For transit riders downtown who are headed this way:

The bus stop westbound on Columbia St just east of 2nd Av will be closed through Friday, 11/15, at all times, due to construction. During those times, board or exit the RapidRide C Line and Route 125 to Westwood Village, and routes 21 Express to Arbor Heights, 55 to the Admiral District, 56 to Alki, 57 to the Alaska Junction and 120 to Burien at the temporarily relocated stop southbound on 3rd Av just north of Columbia St. Once leaving the stop on 3rd Av at Columbia St, Viaduct buses will operate non-stop via their regular routing.

ADDED 1:10 PM: A traffic alert for the weekend:

If your Saturday plans include a trip to SODO, you can cross the State Route 99 ramps near the stadiums off your list of route options.

Crews working for contractors building the SR 99 tunnel and the South Atlantic Street overpass will close the on-ramp from South Royal Brougham Way and the off-ramp to South Atlantic Street for much of the weekend. The right lane of southbound SR 99 will also be closed south of downtown Seattle. The ramps and lane will reopen two hours before the kickoff of Sunday’s Seahawks game at CenturyLink Field.

Closure details

Friday, Nov. 15 – Sunday, Nov. 17
The right lane of southbound SR 99 between South King and South Atlantic streets, as well as the southbound off-ramp to South Atlantic Street, will be closed from 10 pm. Friday, Nov. 15 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 17.

During the lane and ramp closure, crews will remove steel and timber beams that supported construction of the new South Atlantic Street overpass. The overpass is scheduled to open by the end of 2013.

Saturday, Nov. 16 – Sunday, Nov. 17
The South Royal Brougham Way on-ramp to northbound SR 99 will be closed from 7 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday.
During the closure, crews will install drainage and move a power pole.

The overpass and tunnel ramp work are both part of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program.

2:32 PM UPDATE: Vashon Water Taxi will be back in business this afternoon – with Clipper III replacing Melissa Ann, which is out for repairs.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday on the move

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Back to post-holiday normalcy. We start with two reminders:

STREET-TREE PLANTING: Today’s the day the city plans to start planting new street trees along sections of California SW and Fauntleroy Way, as detailed here.

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION TONIGHT: This all-volunteer group, determined to advocate for this area’s distinct transportation needs, can’t do it without you, so they’re inviting you to come find out tonight how you can help along some very specific lines. 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, 6400 SW Sylvan Way.

Updates as the day goes…

5:45 PM: Crash reported on southbound I-5 just before the West Seattle Bridge exit.

West Seattle traffic alert: Highway 99/Viaduct reopens early

Just in from WSDOT: Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct is open again, after a weekend of work on the new S. Atlantic Street overpass. The reopening was eight hours earlier than projected.

1:15 AM NOTE: As of 1 am, the “Viaduct Closed When Flashing” lights on signs in West Seattle and on the bridge were still flashing. But we drove 99 and it really is open.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; 99 closed this weekend; Veterans Day transit-change reminders

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
This weekend’s Highway 99 closure starts late tonight. As for the roads right now, there’s a crash reported on Highway 509 on the way to the 1st Avenue S. Bridge.

VETERANS DAY REMINDERS FOR MONDAY: Metro is on a “reduced weekday” schedule Monday; the West Seattle Water Taxi will NOT be in service.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates

(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:08 AM: Wet roads, so be careful. The wind advisory, meantime, was pushed back overnight, to take effect at 7 am – so even though it’s not windy out there yet, forecasters still think it’s on the way, likely peaking this afternoon.

REMINDER – 99 CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: Alaskan Way Viaduct is closing starting tomorrow night, and there’s a partial weekend closure north of the Battery St. Tunnel too.

METRO’S MEDIA BRIEFING: As the Legislature starts its special session today, Metro/King County leaders plan a media briefing with new information on the cuts they say they’ll have to make unless legislators include a funding solution in whatever they come up with. Watch for that info after 11 am.

7:49 AM: Checked out a crash reported at 35th/Juneau – 2 vehicles but off to the side when we passed a few minutes ago and not blocking traffic.

8:07 AM: Big squall just arrived – heavy rain, breezy. Be EXTRA careful.

8:38 AM: Commenter “Enough” explains intensified backup: “FYI.. Disabled car at bottom of hill by Nucor, right lane. Both lanes getting by.”

West Seattle traffic alert: Crash on southbound 99 by the bridge

We’ve been hearing for a while about a major slowdown on southbound 99 headed this way, and now we know why – a crash right at the bridge. One WSB’er who passed it while riding Metro Route 55 reports, “There is a three-car accident in the left lane, just before the WS Bridge ramp. An ambulance and cop are on the scene. Avoid the area!”

Update: Car-flip crash on Admiral Way, 1 driver hurt

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli for WSB – initial cameraphone photos replaced Wed. evening)
2:12 PM: There’s a report of a crash on the Admiral Way hill north of the bridge, 3500 block, with a major emergency response. We’re on our way to find out more.

2:21 PM: Added a photo. We don’t know yet about the condition of anyone who had been in the vehicle.

2:28 PM: Christopher Boffoli reports from the scene that the driver of the car, a Nissan Z, got himself out of the wreckage and does not seem to be seriously hurt. Both Christopher and co-publisher Patrick Sand, also there, report that some traffic is getting around the scene – but we’d still advise avoiding the area if you can.

5:04 PM UPDATE: The scene cleared some time ago, as noted by a commenter (we have since driven through the area as well).

A second vehicle was involved; we asked Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore about the drivers’ conditions, and he replied, “AMR transported a male in his 30′s in stable condition with minor scrapes to HMC. He was from the car that was rolled over. The female driver of the other car declined treatment or transport.”