TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates; Highland Park Way, Shorewood crashes

(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Another rainy morning, and slow going so far. A crash on the ramp from the eastbound bridge to southbound I-5 is reported to be contributing to slowdowns, partly blocking the ramp, though there’s no medic response, so apparently no injuries.

ROAD WORK: Today was announced as the day SDOT would close the inside lane on the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct after the morning commute for repairs – but work is often postponed when it rains, so we’ll be checking on its status.

7:53 AM: Texter reports a crash at 28th and 106th, possibly involving a school bus. We’re sending a crew to check it out. Meantime, the earlier crash on the ramp to southbound I-5 has cleared out of the travel lanes.

8:14 AM: The collision involves a car and Highline Public Schools bus and is in the middle of the intersection.

No injuries on the bus, we’re told; another bus has arrived for the kids to transfer onto. The driver of the car is being checked out. The scene should clear soon, as tow crews are arriving.

8:32 AM: If you’re just leaving, be forewarned – “bridge bad again,” reports commenter Jovan.

9:06 AM: A crash is reported on Highland Park Way hill. Haven’t yet heard which direction. (added) Just after typing that, we received a text saying two cars are in the ditch and the road is reduced to one lane going downhill. SFD is sending a second engine. Thanks as always for traffic tips – but of course, please only text/call us – 206-293-6302 – when it’s safe to do so (if you’re a passenger, OR once you’ve arrived at your destination).

(Photo added – thanks to Meg; note the vehicle off the road at left)
9:15 AM: Per scanner, Highland Park Way hill is closed in the uphill direction for now. We’d advise avoiding the hill entirely until there’s word the crash is clear.

9:49 AM: As Kam notes in comments, the hill is closed both ways now – they had let a few buses through, but then shut it down entirely – and scanner discussions indicate there’s a significant oil slick, so cleanup is likely to take a while.

11:26 AM: Per scanner, Highland Park Way hill has reopened, after cleanup, towing, etc.

Jovan September 25, 2014 (8:30 am)

Bridge bad again. Backed up to trader joes. Took me an hour yesterday to get to I 5. Today doesnt look any better

WSB September 25, 2014 (8:31 am)

Yikes. Thanks for the update. No current crashes/stalls reported, just busy/slick.

Sharonn September 25, 2014 (9:00 am)

It’s still crawling along…45 minutes to downtown today after I got onto the bridge. Luckily I only have to drive very rarely.

trickycoolj September 25, 2014 (9:17 am)

Just passed through the Hp Way incident. One engine had just arrived and was putting out cones while a citizen was directing downhill traffic to the inside lane. There was one car in the ditch on the downhill side possibly in a tree, one car up the bank on the uphill side. Uphill traffic was completely blocked. The downhill lane was a complete rainbow of fuel. Looked real bad hope everyone is ok.

WSB September 25, 2014 (9:21 am)

Thanks, Tricky. No word of serious injuries at this point but it sounds like enough of a mess that we’re just suggesting the hill be avoided entirely. Sounded like they were going to try to let buses keep going through. And we just heard the additional call regarding a tree.

kam September 25, 2014 (9:43 am)

The Highland Park hill is closed in both directions as of 9:40.

WSB September 25, 2014 (9:48 am)

Thanks. And likely to stay closed a while as they are cleaning up a significant oil slick, besides the cars and possibly a tree too. – TR

Mike September 25, 2014 (10:06 am)

Teehee. One of your early remarks on the Highline school bus accident referred to “towers”. Gave me a pause, and then a chuckle as I realized you meant tow trucks, not tall structures, would be clearing vehicles! Glad that noone apparently is injured. But thanks for the morning chuckle! Luv the WSB!

WSB September 25, 2014 (10:32 am)

Yeah, I looked at that and it looked wrong, much as I think the word “towers” would make sense for people who tow, so I changed it fast. Meantime, we haven’t heard an update on this, so we’re going to have to head over and take a look at whether it’s still closed …

M September 25, 2014 (11:25 am)

So the crash was me on the soutbound ramp. My car must need new tires and I spun out over the side. Appologies to my WS neighbors if I made anyone late to work…