As promised, we asked SDOT to explain why the “Alaskan Way Viaduct Closed When Flashing” warning lights didn’t go on till mid-afternoon Saturday, long after the long-planned shutdown began early Saturday morning. The answer, e-mailed by SDOT spokesperson Marybeth Turner — the lights didn’t malfunction, they just weren’t turned on:
In response to your inquiry, the “Viaduct Closed When Flashing” signs were mistakenly turned on late on Saturday. Although the road barricades and street closure signs were in place on time, the flashing lights warning drivers of the need to use other routes were not activated. We now have a procedure in place to ensure it won’t happen again.
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