TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday roads, buses, boats

(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:40 AM: So far, “wet roads” are the only warning regarding traffic as the day gets going. If you ride the 120 or 55 buses, there was big news late yesterday – Metro says it’s adding capacity starting Monday.

8:03 AM UPDATE: Trouble on Highway 99 south of the 1st Avenue S. Bridge, according to WSDOT, which tweeted: “A lane in each direction blocked due to a collision on SR 99 south of the 1st Ave S. Bridge.”

9:01 AM UPDATE: If you follow the online 911 log, note that it’s down for maintenance all day. So we are listening to the scanner even more intently than ever. Right now, there’s a report of another southbound Battery St. Tunnel crash – second one this morning – so if you are heading toward WS from north of there, get over to I-5!

5:25 PM UPDATE: If you are encountering any slow-going in mid-downtown or north of there on southbound I-5, the 911 log lists a crash at Yesler as of about half an hour ago. Can’t quite tell from the camera if it’s still a factor.

Jtk October 24, 2012 (7:35 am)

Not Necessarily getting OUT of WEST Seattle, but driving North on 99 through the Tunnel, the Tunnel was CLOSED going SOUTH at about 7:20…. Not sure if it is still closed…
Police had it blocked…

WSB October 24, 2012 (7:58 am)

Thanks, Jtk. There is absolutely nothing about that in the traffic Twitter list we watch – not even from SDOT, which usually reports tunnel trouble. Here’s hoping it was short-lived. – TR

jedifarfy October 24, 2012 (8:03 am)

Delridge seemed a little backed up, but the bridge was pretty clear at about 7:20 when my bus went over. The viaduct seemed a little busier, but not too bad. The bus before mine was a little late (saw it go past before getting to my stop), so only about 5-6 standing as we hit the bridge. I even got a forward facing seat!

clw October 24, 2012 (8:15 am)

The C that left Findlay and California just after 7am was standing room only after the junction, that’s kind of a given these days, but I wanted to send a HUGE thank you to the girl who was sitting next to me on the bus this morning. A bad combination of donating blood yesterday, not eating enough breakfast, and sprinting from Juneau to Findlay to catch the bus lead to me almost passing out on the bus this morning. She was very sweet, gave me a bottle of water and held my coffee cup while I was feeling like I was going to pass out. Also, thanks to the girl who opened the window so I could get some air. It’s nice to know there’s people out there who will look out for you when you need it.

BP October 24, 2012 (8:25 am)

I am also curious about why the tunnel was closed southbound this morning… And hope it won’t be this afternoon. Traffic was badly backing up southbound on 99.

WSB October 24, 2012 (8:33 am)

Checking back on the 911 log – it does appear there was a crash in the SB tunnel at that time. Unusual that SDOT did not tweet it. : http://www2.cityofseattle.net/fire/realTime911/getRecsForDatePub.asp?action=Today&incDate=&rad1=des
- WSB October 24, 2012 (9:03 am)
  
  … and that said, as noted above, the 911 log is down for the day AND the scanner indicates a new crash in the SB tunnel, backing up traffic (9 am) …

Annette October 24, 2012 (4:43 pm)

I am sure this is old news by now, but here is great news from Metro that I just received via email.

From: King County Metro Transit

Starting Monday, October 29, King County Metro Transit is adding two weekday trips during both the morning and evening commute times on each of routes 55 and 120.in order to meet increased rider demand between Burien, West Seattle and downtown Seattle.

The two new morning trips on Route 55 are scheduled to leave from the Admiral District at 6:37 and 8:20 AM, and arrive on Seneca Street at Second Avenue at 7:08 and 8:51 respectively. The added Route 55 afternoon trips are scheduled to leave from Blanchard St in Belltown at 4:54 and 5:17 PM.

The two new morning trips on Route 120 are scheduled to leave from the Burien Transit Center at 6:26 and 7:14 AM, from Westwood Village at 6:50 and 7:39, and arrive on Third Avenue in downtown Seattle at about 7:25 and 8:15 respectively. The added Route 120 afternoon trips are scheduled to leave from southbound on Third Avenue at Pike Street at 4:45 and 5:11 PM.

On October 8, Metro added peak hour trips to the new RapidRide C Line’s schedule.

WSB October 24, 2012 (5:17 pm)

The exact times are news – I had asked Metro for them on a commenter’s behalf and just saw this advisory in one of our mailboxes. Thanks for adding it here!

w October 24, 2012 (9:45 pm)

yay more buses!!! Thank You Metro!
but “limited contingency reserve” doesn’t sound like a lasting fix? Metro seems to be struggling to meet existing peak demand.
What happens when those new apartment buildings open? Given the current situation, how can anyone even dream of things like “latent demand” or “improved service” in a city that is supposedly working toward “carbon neutral”?