Comments on: Spokane Street Viaduct: Speed-limit Q/A; ramp update

By: Stacy

Stacy — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 01:52:44 +0000

J: That is exactly what I meant; I wasn’t talking about right before the construction. I’ve lived in WS for about 20 years, and it was 45mph for most of that time until that collision, when it was clear that the speed needed to be reduced, and then some time later they put in the non-permanent barrier to divide the east-bound and west-bound traffic. So now that the new construction is complete with a permanent barrier and wider lanes, it’s time to raise it.

By: J

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:47:02 +0000

I’m fascinated that the original questioner thought the old speed was 45 mph. It was 35 for a long time–I believe, since right after a fatal head-on there many years ago. But I always get people piled up behind me trying to keep to 35. Please enforce whatever limit is set, so that people trying to obey the law can do so!

By: DBM

DBM — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:39:16 +0000

I Can’t Drive 35!!

By: WorldCitizen

WorldCitizen — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:13:33 +0000

50 mph

By: Shoes required

Shoes required — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 05:30:47 +0000

I’m generally all for slowing down, but the average speed there on the viaduct is about 45. I think 45 is OK there, for most of the lanes, but actually, at the westbound 1st Avenue exit area it might be a bit dangerous. I think they need to mark the entrance and exit to 1st Avenue with physical barriers and better signage. If not for that funky entrance/exit there, 45 would be a fine speed, I think. Too bad they didn’t design or sign that 1st Avenue part a lot better.

By: WSB

WSB — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 03:45:14 +0000

In reply to Me. Call SDOT and tell them they seem out of synch - 684-ROAD.

By: Me

Me — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 03:31:35 +0000

WSB I have a question..my new commute has me taking W Marginal – 509 entering from Avalon, so I go below the bridge. Yet it takes me almost as long as crossing above, because of the lights. I noticed that we will sit at each light twice, while cars I see just pulling up on the other entrances go very quickly.
Is it possible these lights are off? Do “they” not know most of the traffic is coming from Harbor/Admiral/Avalon going eastbound? If anyone is confused by what i mean, try leaving your house at 7:30am and travel beneath the bridge.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 03:16:35 +0000

You could get run over doing 35. Police cars, trucks, sedans – all travel faster.

By: twobottles

twobottles — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 02:32:49 +0000

Still posted at 25 when entering the SSV from Northbound I5 (and most were going 50-60)

By: Stacy

Stacy — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 02:14:59 +0000

Thank you for the follow-up, Tracy! I’ve been hoping that the limit would be raised to 45, and it looks like others agree. I got a verbal warning over a cop’s loudspeaker a couple weeks ago (fun!), and that reminded me that I had been meaning to ask about this for a while now.

By: mike

mike — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:02:24 +0000

I still end up beind you after you pass me doing 50. Traffic still prevents momentum getting on I5

By: zip line

zip line — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 22:57:09 +0000

This morning there were still traffic diversion signs and orange barrels near the 1st Ave exit ramp. When are they going to remove those?

By: WestSeattleDrew

WestSeattleDrew — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 22:04:30 +0000

45 MPH!

By: stephen

stephen — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:38:18 +0000

the 25 MPH sign is a joke after exiting I-5 at nearly than twice that speed. i never go 25 MPH for fear of being rear ended. i’m all for a strict speed limit on surface streets, but on the viaduct please post a reasonable speed limit of 45 MPH

By: dsa

dsa — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:13:33 +0000

I was taught the proper speed limit was the 85th percentile. That means the speed 85 percent of the people drive. Setting it above or below causes problems.