This morning, we brought you first word of the U.S. Coast Guard‘s decision (read it here) not to grant the City of Seattle request to restrict openings of the Spokane Street “low bridge” during weekday rush hours. We asked for reaction from both City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, who had pursued the idea, and from SDOT, which made the official request. Heard back from both late today — read on:

First, here’s Councilmember Rasmussen’s statement:

In light of the decision of the Coast Guard I have already begun working with the Port of Seattle and others to identify ways to reduce the effect of rush hour bridge closures. I appreciate the importance of the maritime businesses and the shipping industry to jobs and our economy, but at the same time we must work to ensure that people are able to live and work in West Seattle without undue hardship due to major Spokane and Alaskan Way viaduct projects during the next decade

Now the official SDOT statement, provided by spokesperson Rick Sheridan:

The US Coast Guard (USCG) decision was anticipated because of the adverse impacts for maritime commerce. However, SDOT is working hard to improve mobility in the corridor that connects West Seattle with the rest of the city. In fact, the ramp connection between the Spokane high-rise and 4th Avenue South goes to bid this week. Regardless of the USCG decision, we will continue to explore ways to enhance travel to and from West Seattle.