West Seattle traffic-alert update: ‘Low bridge’ open again after 2 1/2 hours

(TOPLINE: ‘Low bridge’ reopened just after 7:30 pm; ‘malfunction’ had closed it since just after 5 pm)

5:29 PM: Thanks to commenters on our daily traffic-watch story for first word on this around 5:15 pm – SDOT confirms that the “low bridge” is currently malfunctioning and closed to vehicle/pedestrian traffic. We’ve added a “live” picture from SDOT’s traffic cams – you can see the bicycle riders/pedestrians waiting, and it looks like there’s a relatively slight gap in the bridge.

ADDED 5:50 PM: Still out of service, no update from SDOT. Jason shared the photo we’ve added above, showing bicycle riders who were waiting before it was apparent this situation wasn’t ending quickly.

6:35 PM: We talked with an SDOT rep who said a mechanic has headed to the bridge but they don’t have an ETA yet – they’re promising updates.

(Some of the bikes on the 5:45 Water Taxi; photo by Brian O’Mara)
Meantime, your editor here just took the Water Taxi home from downtown; at least a few bicycle riders had diverted upon hearing about the bridge, but there was still room on the run – 6:45 pm is the last scheduled run from downtown to West Seattle.

7:37 PM: SDOT has just reopened the bridge after the 2 1/2-hour closure. While running electrical tests this past hour or so, they allowed bicycle riders and pedestrians through a few times, we’re told.

11 Replies to "West Seattle traffic-alert update: 'Low bridge' open again after 2 1/2 hours"

  • JunctionDad June 18, 2014 (5:52 pm)

    We waited and waited, then quite a few of us bikes u-turned and beeline it to the good ole WSWaterTaxi. Most of us made the 5:45 and they made sure all got on and left at 5:50

  • Marc m June 18, 2014 (6:14 pm)

    Long line for the taxi now!

    • WSB June 18, 2014 (6:21 pm)

      I’m on it, coming home from downtown meeting. Still room but off we go. 645 is next.

  • timh2o June 18, 2014 (7:09 pm)

    I guess it’s swim or head south if the bridge doesn’t get fixed soon. I cant remember if 509 has a bike/pedestrian crossing. I know there’s a crossing near were Highland meets West Marginal but never went across it. Then there’s a good climb to get into WS or head north along West Marginal.

  • CW June 18, 2014 (7:10 pm)

    Many cyclists also headed for the 1st Ave bridge. A fairly quick detour.

  • Josh June 18, 2014 (7:15 pm)

    Good thing I didn’t run home. No good alternatives!

  • Jason June 18, 2014 (7:34 pm)

    509 drawbridge, 4 miles south, has a ped/bike lane. Take 1st ave South, stay to the right when you get to the intersection of 1st ave and highway 99. Once across the intersection Vere to the right across the railroad tracks, follow the service road for about a quarter mile, as you cross under the bridge the ped/bike lane starts and follows the south side of the bridge. Once across head up west marginal back another 4 miles. I rode it about 30 min ago for the first time. When doubt wait for another rider to pass and follow. Hope this helps.

  • Jason June 18, 2014 (7:46 pm)

    509 route is a 25 min detour.

  • NW June 18, 2014 (8:25 pm)

    Before the lower bridge was built and before you most likely moved here a van with a trailer to hold bikes would make pickups and drop offs down by Chelan Cafe drive cyclist over the bridge and drop off and pickup at 1st and Spokane.

  • Don_Brubeck June 18, 2014 (8:28 pm)

    Thank you to the King Co Water Taxi crew for loading so many bikes on the 5:45 run! Worth riding back downtown.

  • RS June 19, 2014 (12:37 am)

    Thanks to the cyclist and family who gave me a lift across the high bridge! I was too late to make the water taxi…wish I had checked the blog before heading out.

Sorry, comment time is over.