Followup: Crash-damaged footbridge to be closed for weeks

The SW Yancy footbridge over Longfellow Creek in North Delridge is expected to remain closed for weeks. That’s the latest from Seattle Parks, ten days after an allegedly drunk driver crashed through the bridge’s wooden railing and into the creek. As we reported the night of the crash, neither the driver nor his passenger were seriously hurt. But the bridge was left with major damage. Parks spokesperson Joelle Hammerstad tells WSB that there’s no firm date for repairs yet, but it’ll likely be a matter of weeks – well into January. “Until then we will keep an eye on this to make sure the barricades stay up, and would appreciate the cooperation from the public to stay off the bridge.” Meantime, we’re trying to find out the status of the case against the 40-year-old man arrested at the scene.

ADDED 3:24 PM: We’ve finally obtained the aforementioned information. According to Seattle Municipal Court online records, 40-year-old Rossindo Ramos of Highland Park is charged with DUI and reckless endangerment, and also was cited for a license violation and driving without insurance. He is not shown as having been jailed after this incident, but he is out on bail with stipulations including electronic home monitoring. He did spend four days in jail less than three weeks earlier, after an incident that resulted in a charge of property destruction, related to alleged domestic violence.

5 Replies to "Followup: Crash-damaged footbridge to be closed for weeks"

  • West Seattle Hipster December 29, 2014 (1:54 pm)

    Since this is an act of criminal negligence, will the person that caused the damage be held liable for the cost of repairs?

    • WSB December 29, 2014 (1:56 pm)

      I don’t know. I’m having trouble even getting the case # so I can find out how long he was in jail and where the case stands (I don’t know his name but if I can get the incident # I should be able to cross-reference it to court records) … certainly many cases have provisions for restitution.

  • B-Check December 29, 2014 (2:15 pm)

    That’s the starting point for many of the Longfellow Creek walks, since it is right by the trailhead (just west of the bridge), so I do hope the driver is held accountable for his action. If he is unable to afford total costs of repair, there are plenty of community service opportunities along Longfellow Creek that he should be obligated to complete as repayment for damaging the trail.

  • skeeter December 29, 2014 (3:48 pm)

    Drunk driving is a horribly dangerous activity. And driving without insurance is not only illegal but also the height of irresponsibility.

    Something tells me this driver will not pay for the damage caused. Driving drunk and uninsured means you’ve got very, very little to lose.

  • R0b0 December 29, 2014 (5:44 pm)

    A friend of mine was in an accident in which he knocked down a street light. The city billed him for it so I’m sure the city will send Mr Ramos a sizeable bill for the bridge repairs.

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