Update: Crash briefly closes westbound West Seattle Bridge

(photo added 3:26 pm, after SUV was righted, view from slope on north side of bridge at Avalon end)
ORIGINAL 2:36 PM POST: Westbound bridge is closed – that word from Desiree – not sure how far it extends but we are en route to check out a “heavy rescue” call westbound on The Bridge at Admiral, which undoubtedly is the reason why. More shortly. The traffic camera that points westward in that area isn’t showing much, but the one pointing eastbound shows the lanes empty all the way back to 99, which suggests there is a detour or barricade that far back. 2:52 PM UPDATE: Looks like the westbound bridge is open again – traffic camera now shows vehicles heading that way. Patrick found a viewpoint and sees a maroon SUV, on its side, that’s apparently about to be hauled/towed away. He also saw an aid car leaving the scene. 3:02 PM UPDATE: There may still be some slowing for a bit – authorities are checking now for any “(oil) sheen” on the bridge and getting ready to clear the scene – sounds like SDOT will sand the area after the wreckage is cleared – it appears that traffic is now being diverted off at the Admiral exit till the towing and sanding is done (Patrick is watching from the Fauntleroy foot bridge). So if you’re seeing this from downtown or points further east, a good idea to delay your trip West Seattle-bound for a while. 3:28 PM UPDATE: Still no word on the people who were in the SUV that crashed; this photo is from Sharonn Meeks, looking at where the bridge was blocked off just past Admiral:

Amy December 13, 2008 (2:40 pm)

My husband is stuck on the bridge right now. He said traffic is moving VERY slowly, and he thinks they may be being diverted onto 4th Avenue.

brian December 13, 2008 (2:52 pm)

Traffic just opened!

WSB December 13, 2008 (2:54 pm)

Thanks – I just saw that on the traffic cam moments earlier and added. Still having trouble finding out what the crash (or other problem) is/was – TR

Jen December 13, 2008 (2:54 pm)

I’m on a bus from downtown to WS that was rerouted to go down 1st and across the low bridge. The Metro dispatcher said there was a rollover accident on the WS bridge, FWIW.

Brian December 13, 2008 (2:59 pm)

A snow shovel truck just went west over the bridge and now traffic is stopped again.

WSB December 13, 2008 (3:08 pm)

They’re going to sand after the wreckage is cleared – there’s concern about a “sheen” from the wrecked SUV- and it does seem they’re holding traffic till it’s done.

Tanej December 13, 2008 (3:38 pm)

Police cars and lots of flashing lights at 35th Ave SW and Fauntleroy. Traffic still prevented from either direction on the West Seattle Bridge from or to this intersection. They sanded in both directions. Must have really been a bad accident!