Traffic alert: Avoid the Alaskan Way Viaduct northbound

According to Seattle Police via Twitter, there’s a multiple-car crash in the northbound Battery Street Tunnel, so the tunnel’s closed and drivers are being diverted off at Western Avenue, right before the tunnel. Also via Twitter, SDOT says a tow truck’s on site, so perhaps it won’t be closed too long. “No known injuries,” according to SPD. (Thanks to Nichole Taylor for the photo.) 3:20 PM UPDATE: SDOT has tweeted that the situation is cleared up – but one commenter with a view says the BACKUP isn’t clear yet.

Cheryl February 26, 2010 (3:00 pm)

Oh swell. I have to head to Queen Anne in about an hour. Hopefully, it’ll be cleared by then.

As always, thanks for keeping us up to date on all things West Seattle (and there’bouts).

Aim February 26, 2010 (3:16 pm)

As of right now, the backup is getting longer by the second. The back end of it is currently just north of the WSBridge. 45 seconds ago it was at Starbucks Center, so it’s backing up very quickly.

For a trip to Queen Anne I’d recommend either the 1st ave exit from the bridge and all the way down 1st, or loop up to 5N and take the Mercer exit. I doubt this will be cleared up by the time you go.

WSB February 26, 2010 (3:22 pm)

Funny – SDOT just tweeted that the tunnel is clear and open. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean the rest of the backup is cleared. Thanks for the perspective.