West Seattle(-bound) traffic alert: Long ‘low bridge’ opening today

Out of the inbox, forwarded by a few folks (thank you!), SDOT’s Paul Elliott sent out this alert regarding the “low bridge” during the evening commute:

I just was told that we expect NOAA to bring two large vessels through the swing bridge this afternoon, probably about 5:30, but perhaps ten or fifteen minutes earlier. We expect the openings to last in the 25-30 minute range. Apparently we didn’t get notification until yesterday afternoon, hence this last-minute push to get the word out.

Also remember that SDOT sends word of imminent rush-hour low-bridge openings via Twitter, but this is an earlier heads-up in case you want to plot an alternate path/time to go home.

Kim June 10, 2010 (1:30 pm)

Nice that they are letting us know, but man traffic has been more difficult since they closed that 1st Ave onramp. Can’t they wait until 6:30 or 7 to open the bridge? Oy.

owen June 10, 2010 (2:43 pm)

I don’t completely understand it, but I believe the timing of barge and ship traffic has a lot to do with the tides. For example, today’s opening coincides with a high tide at 6pm.
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In my opinion, it would be much more useful to get a general reminder from SDOT on weeks or days when the optimal tides line up with commute hours, rather than a tweet 15 minutes before the bridge opens.

Skeeter June 10, 2010 (2:57 pm)

A 30 minute bridge opening at the peak of rush hour will result in 60+ minute backups.

Metal Jesus June 10, 2010 (4:11 pm)

Traffic going home to West Seattle lately have been BRUTAL. This sucks.

Kimberley June 10, 2010 (4:44 pm)

SDot actually gave notice 24 hours ago via twitter.

WSB June 10, 2010 (4:46 pm)

I scrolled thru their latest tweets and didn’t see it. Anyway, people are STILL e-mailing it to us even after we put it up here – it was only sent via e-mail today, which still reaches vastly more people than Twitter – so can’t tell the world too often, I guess. (added) I see the tweet but it didn’t point out that it’s going to be an extra-long opening for extra-big ship(s) – hard to get that all out in 140 characters anyway!

Ex-Westwood Resident June 11, 2010 (1:59 pm)

The two NOAA ships were NOAAS McArthur II, heading out for their project. The other was NOAAS Bell M. Shimada, which is the new fisheries research vessel make its inaugural visit to Seattle.

And yes the poster who mentioned the timing of the ships coming in/out had to do with the tides was exactly on the mark.

Sorry, comment time is over.