(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:43 AM: First e-mail of the day: “Northbound 99 is a parking lot – at 6:30 am.” That’s because of a crash, on the 911 log as a “heavy rescue” response, at Lander. So avoid 99 for now. Here’s the closest camera:
WSB’er Franci reports, “Rollover accident, barrier between NB/SB (99) dislodged, 2 cars – 1 SUV and 1 sedan.”
6:57 AM: Emergency vehicles have been trying to get to the scene any way they can, even by going the wrong way – and that part of the response is being canceled. “Heavy rescue” usually means rescuers might have to cut someone out of wreckage, and they have reported by scanner that everyone is out of the rolled-over car. Also, Metro has sent a text alert that Viaduct-running buses are detoured to 4th Avenue. Trouble on the water this morning too, because of the fog – Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth runs are delayed.
7:25 AM: Two lanes blocked still on northbound 99 and no word how long that’ll last – depends on what level of investigation (and repairs) the crash will require. WSDOT says via Twitter that northbound I-5 is “rough,” too, so if there’s any way you can head in later than usual today, that might be the best plan of all.
7:55 AM: One lane is getting by, per WSDOT. And as shown in our “live” image from the traffic camera at the scene right now, tow trucks are there.
8:09 AM: Still “don’t leave if you can wait” mode – tweeters say that traffic headed for the bridge is backed up on Fauntleroy to Fairmount Park and that even with the Viaduct buses rerouted to 4th, it’s still slow going getting TO the bridge.
8:26 AM: Buses have returned to regular northbound 99 routing, according to a text alert from Metro.
8:36 AM: Per scanner, 99 is about to “open back up.” Remember that it’ll still be a while before the residual backup clears. And it’s still massively foggy out there – be very careful.
9:10 AM: In fact, the National Weather Service has a “dense fog advisory” in effect for the general metro area. And Washington State Ferries just sent an updated alert, “All vessels on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route are delayed and estimated 30-45 minutes due to heavy fog.” Speaking of WSF – this reminder also has just come in:
WSF is considering revisions to the Fauntleroy/Vashon/SW schedule to make the best use of added vehicle capacity when the 124-car Cathlamet replaces the 87-car Klahowya in fall 2014. We look forward to sharing information and hearing from our customers at two open houses on: Sat., Oct. 26, 12-3 p.m. at the Ober Park Community Center, 17130 Vashon Hwy. SW, Vashon Island; and Tue, Oct. 29, 5-7 p.m. at Harper Church, 10384 SE Sedgwick Road in Port Orchard. More information at wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Service/ScheduleProposals.htm
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