TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates; SPD enforcement patrols

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:36 AM: After a short delay for what turned out to be a small fire in South Delridge (we’re still updating here), the overall traffic watch is on.

8:01 AM – TRANSPORTATION NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: From Tuesday coverage here and elsewhere, in case you missed it:

*11th/Holden pedestrian-safety beacon going in
*47th/Admiral/Waite signal & crosswalks update, plus a reader concern
*Council committee keeps property-tax plan for transportation levy

8:23 AM: Via Twitter, we’re getting reports of at least two SPD traffic-enforcement areas this morning – on the bridge (thanks to Joe for the tip; he saw at least five drivers/riders “lined up” for citations) and at 35th/Morgan (thanks to Randall for that tip).

8:35 AM: And thanks to Lola for mentioning an orange-cone hazard (usually they mark hazards; this time they WERE the hazard) on the bridge; an SDOT tweet suggests they’ve been handled.

Lola June 24, 2015 (8:26 am)

Orange Traffic Cones in the road heading E-bound on the West Seattle Bridge by the Steel Plant. It looks like they fell off of someone’s truck as they are scatterd.

WSB June 24, 2015 (8:30 am)

Thanks, Lola. That explains the SDOT tweet that “cones have (been removed)” … I didn’t see the first tweet about them!

sc June 24, 2015 (9:22 am)

Why is it a “tip” that traffic enforcement is happening. If you follow the law you won’t get a ticket.

Big Jer June 24, 2015 (9:22 am)

I’ve always wondered this, what is a traffic enforcement area? In particular when people are pulled over on the west Seattle Bridge what are they being cited for

WSB June 24, 2015 (9:27 am)

Big Jer – bus lane violations, most often. SC – we use “tip” for letting us know about anything that’s happening. It’s news when traffic enforcement is happening – so often we see commenters complain that SPD is “never” out enforcing; if we get a tip they are, during our every-weekday traffic coverage, we mention it. Police also say they have no problem with people mentioning (in any kind of media) traffic enforcement because they would be happy to see everyone obeying the law so there are no tickets to issue – that would be a lot safer, too. – TR

LOLA June 24, 2015 (9:53 am)

Did you see the guy on the news who was holding the sign up to make sure you stop at the Stop Sign as the cops were ticketing you as you came thru? He got a ticket for holding up the sign.

I noticed June 24, 2015 (9:53 am)

I disagree. If police say “they have no problem with people mentioning (in any kind of media) traffic enforcement because they would be happy to see everyone obeying the law ..” then I wonder why SPD gave the man a ticket for holding a sign warning neighbors of police enforcement ahead. A sign is a form of media. SPD tried to say it was the verbiage he used but come one we all know they were just mad that this guy was taking away their “customers”. If it truly was the verbiage then the law is not being consistently applied. And why do we need 3 cops to write 1 guy a ticket? Getting off of their bikes and approaching him on foot. Intimidation attempt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVXvM2ZfBZI

I have no problem with WSB mentioning enforcement. Officer cool shades still had a lot of people pulled over.

West Seattle Hipster June 24, 2015 (11:12 am)

I am all for SPD pulling over speeders and bus lane violators (bad drivers), but I also believe in the first amendment.

Born on Alki 59 June 24, 2015 (11:34 am)

Two motorcycle cops are working Admiral Way east of California Ave right now. They are handing out “good driving awards” like crazy. Obey the 30 mph speed limit.

lvbebe June 24, 2015 (12:07 pm)

While I follow the lane restrictions I appreciate an Officer Smiley update when he is giving bus lane violators tickets since there is always a residual traffic backup when he is out there. Lookie loos and everyone slowing down. Oh and as someone who was almost hit by someone speeding in the bus lane this morning prior to the 1st Ave exit lane change over, I appreciate them ticketing as well.

oh yea June 24, 2015 (8:13 pm)

Seriously frustrated with the bus lane cop backing up traffic. It’s simply an excuse to make money because you simply don’t see many violators on days he is not there. Traffic moves better and never see a bus stuck behind a 1st Ave exit line up like there used to be so long, long ago. He is a major distraction just standing in the middle of the lane. His inflated ego does no good in building community relations and helping the police gain more respect. Show some respect to the many who follow the laws and they will do the same. This is not a safety issue, it’s strictly revenue. Shift the priorities to serving the neighborhood in areas that are a concern and important. Accidents are practically nil there and buses are not delayed. Go find the stolen cars, cruise the streets to deter home theft, watch the school playgrounds, and be present there instead of the middle of the WS bridge. Thank you.

Sorry, comment time is over.