(“Live” eastbound West Seattle Bridge camera moved up to another story)
The first morning commute is in the books, kicking off up to six weeks with a key stretch of the eastbound Spokane Street Viaductt down to one lane, so the new 4th Avenue offramp can be connected. Commuters have been sharing their thoughts in a variety of ways, including this WSB comment thread, a discussion on the WSB Facebook page, and via Twitter. We asked SDOT for their take, and here’s what Marybeth Turner had to say:
With one eastbound lane closed on the Spokane Street Viaduct, we did observe backups this morning in traffic heading for the West Seattle Bridge. SDOT will continue to look for opportunities to make adjustments to traffic signals to improve the flow of traffic.
We expect there will be a period of adjustment while people get used to the viaduct lane closure and as more drivers use alternate routes. We hope that drivers understand that this six-week lane closure is an essential last step for the full opening of the new Fourth Avenue S off-ramp.
In an informal analysis of the reaction, what seemed to be most notable is that the backup lasted longer than the “normal” morning commute mess – a WSB team member had to head toward SODO for a 10 am appointment and reported it was still a slog; same thing tweeted by Rhonda from The Mortgage Porter (WSB sponsor). On the other hand, we have a few reports that it was better than usual in the very early going – Scott C sent a cameraphone photo around 5:15 am to that effect; this comment says 6:45 am was close to the usual speed. ADDED 12:10 PM: Here’s an e-mail report from longtime WSB’er Kevin McClintic, who saw it at two times during this morning’s drive – read on:
She had a Dr.’s appointment at 8:20 so not having done the morning commute in a long time and unsure of how the lane closure would affect things, we left Arbor Heights around 6:45.
Everything was fine at that time on 35th. One thing that seemed odd was that the intersection at 35th and Avalon was set to a flashing red. Not sure if that is normal before 7AM or there was some exception.
Eastbound traffic was beginning to backup significantly just before the viaduct exit – at 6:55. We had just enough warning to be able to cut across at the last minute and take the viaduct, which was running along at a very acceptable rate.
The Dr. saw us early so we were hitting the West Seattle Bridge from I-5 headed westbound around 8:40. The eastbound backup now stretched ALL the way across the high rise and beyond. We took a little detour and drove up Admiral to stop at the Safeway and the backup was ALL the way to the top of the hill, next to the viewpoint.
(Side note – We received a couple of reports about the 35th/Avalon light, which regulars know is NOT the usual mode – checking on its status shortly.) 4:40 PM UPDATE: From SDOT – “The traffic signal at 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way was not set to “red flash” intentionally this morning; it was due to equipment failure. Our traffic crews repaired the traffic signal controller and now the signal should be working properly.”
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