Traffic alert: Alaskan Way Viaduct reopens, hours ahead of schedule

Just got word from WSDOT that the Alaskan Way Viaduct has reopened – 5 hours earlier than it was expected to reopen after its weekend inspection (results due in a few days).

Al October 20, 2008 (8:43 am)

Did SDOT ever give a reason for not activating those “viaduct closed” warning lights? We were extremely frustrated b/c we would have taken an alternate route if warned BEFORE getting on the bridge. This is not the first time, or the second time this has happened, from what I can recall…

WSB October 20, 2008 (9:05 am)

I expect to hear back today and will post separately when I get the explanation.

KM October 20, 2008 (9:44 am)

WSB – I approach the bridge from 509 and noticed that there are no warning signs on that route. Caught quite a few people (including me) off guard and caused some traffic issues. Do you happen to know the group to write to to request a warning sign? My hope is that eventually they will figure out how to work them.

WSB October 20, 2008 (10:18 am)

Interesting point – 509 is a state route and the signs are city-operated. But the state/city/county have been working together on Viaduct impact issues. SDOT communications is looking into the light malfunction right now and I will see if they have any advice on this front.
One thing, though – the Viaduct closure plan was publicized WELL in advance (we first published word of it in August – this was our second report, I’m having trouble finding the first one:
https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=10095
)
It was atop citywide newspaper websites, and our site, all weekend, and tv news, newspapers, us, etc. issued reminders on Friday too.
Not slamming you for missing it BUT I’m curious for personal reference – aside from lights, what would be the most relevant way to get you news like that? Would you want to be on an e-mail list? A cell-phone alert list? What’s the main way you would expect to be alerted to either a planned or unplanned major traffic change like that? Traffic info is going to be EVER more important around here as the construction projects all kick in and we (among others) are working on better ways of helping people stay informed, so that’s why I ask.

KM October 20, 2008 (4:48 pm)

I completely blanked on the bridge being closed this weekend and only once it was too late did I remember reading this on your website and in the paper. But I was thinking that it would have been nice to have one of those blinking lights for us approaching the viaduct from the south for us forgetful folks…and there seemed to be quite a few of us. I personally think that once this becomes a more common occurrence, we will all start paying more attention to the closures. I guess the answer to your question is that your postings and the city’s are all locations that I would expect to see the closures. It is the responsibility of the drivers to start paying attention and taking note of those warnings at that point.

Al October 20, 2008 (8:16 pm)

Yep, I blanked as well, esp. since our trip was entirely unplanned and we could have cancelled if we had not been caught in traffic and been unable to turn around. I don’t watch local news, read the paper or visit the blog during weekends. Perhaps an email alert, but the Viaduct has those and I’m signed up for them. Hm. Old fashioned calendar mark seems to be the rule of the day…

Sorry, comment time is over.