2:34 PM: The backup on the eastbound bridge right now looks more like 8:30 am than 2:30 pm – and here’s why: A crash by the Highway 99 overpass, involving a tipped semitruck. We noticed the crash callout on the fire log but just found out from a caller (thanks!) that it involves a sideways semi, so that escalated the alert here.
3:19 PM: The backup has eased.
4:08 PM: As noted in comments, the truck was on a ramp rather than the bridge. Adding a photo from Chuck:
Don’t even try to get on 99 North from the West Seattle FWY- fire truck has it blocked off even though tipped semi is on lower roadway. Those idiots should be required to compensate everyone for the inconvenience!
Hard to tell from here exactly what is going on – it looked backed up on the traffic cams when I checked, but now it looks OK.
My wife just got onto 99 N from West Seattle bridge, no problem. She saw the accident but fire truck has moved.
All I have is what I can see on the cameras and it looks OK now (see various cameras at https://westseattleblog.com/west-seattle-cams ) – Sorry, I wouldn’t have broken this out to a separate except that it SOUNDED as if it would be a serious blocking incident for a while, and the cams showed a morning-sized backup, but not any more.
P.S. Other comment came in as I typed this. Thanks!
What’s with all the tipped trucks lately? Last week a log truck and a gravel truck, both of which caused miles long backups, both on freeway ramps. Seems obvious they are traveling too fast for conditions. Are they being cited for violations?
Am I the only one that is disturbed by firefighters being called idiots? Compensated for inconvenience? I hate to feed trolls but, good gawd, try to have a little respect.
i drove by as the ambulance left and the firetrucks still had all but one lane on the West Seattle Bridge blocked.. a necessary evil
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i wonder how you get a tipped truck off an onramp without blocking traffic… do they pull the thing up the ramp to right it?
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i really felt bad for the driver.. imagine that moment when you know that your are going to end up on your side… not good
A tow truck was on the ramp when we passed headed eastbound shortly after 6 pm. Hadn’t realized the truck was STILL there, till then.
Still there now…but the trailer and cab are at least upright…my guess is a few more hours to fully clear
If Gordy is ever in an accident, he better hope “those idiots” care more about rescuing him than inconveniencing a few other drivers
@Oliver and @Twobottles, I think it’s safe to say that @Gordy was referring to the truck drivers as “idiots” — not the rescue personnel. Yes, it’s poorly worded, but sometimes we need to slow down and give folks the benefit of the doubt.
Good point Ryan. I actually read Gordy’s post multiple times over the last 24 hours and still did not see it as you did.
Sorry, comment time is over.
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