(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:54 AM: Once again this morning, the rain is the main challenge as drivers/riders head out – and this may be the rainiest day of the week.
7:24 AM: One report from the bridge, via Twitter – slower going than usual. No incidents reported, so perhaps just the rain.
9:06 AM: Crash just reported southbound 99 at the Battery Street Tunnel. Don’t know yet how many lanes are affected.
9:46 AM UPDATE: Per the scanner, the tunnel is reopening.
11:29 AM UPDATE: Battery St. Tunnel is a hot spot today. Now there’s a crash just south of it, in the NORTHBOUND 99 lanes.
1:10 PM: That’s clear now, by the way. But WSDOT has sent an overall alert for the rest of today and for tomorrow:
Commuters should buckle up and prepare for a long, soggy ride home this afternoon and another wet drive Wednesday morning.
Heavy rain is forecasted in the Puget Sound area and is expected to last through the peak commute times. Drivers should increase their following distance and leave plenty of room to stop on wet roads. With the mix of weather and traffic, some may want to consider adjusting their schedule to leave early or wait to head out until later in the commute.
Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews are working ahead of the weather to keep roadside drains clear of debris, so water doesn’t pool onto the roadway. However, fall leaves are still blowing and drains can clog quickly. Crews will service drains as soon as possible, but drivers should try to avoid standing water on the roadway.
2:02 PM: Battery St. Tunnel yet again – northbound, this time. Also trouble on NB 5 by the Convention Center.
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