TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: February finale; megaship watch

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:30 AM: Welcome to the final day of February. A few notes to start:

BIGGEST SHIP EVER TO STOP HERE: If you’re watching for the Benjamin Franklin – it’s just starting to pass north Bainbridge Island, per MarineTraffic.com.

VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: This Saturday is the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s next inspection closure, 6 am-6 pm. Sunday only if needed, as WSDOT told the West Seattle Transportation Coalition last week.

WATER TAXI FARES RISE TOMORROW: March 1st brings a fare increase for the Water Taxi – see the West Seattle rates (new in blue) here.

7:07 AM: Car fire on NB I-5’s “collector-distributor” by Dearborn – could affect traffic north of the bridge. Meantime, the Benjamin Franklin is now in Elliott Bay. We just passed groups of shipwatchers at vantage points including Luna/Anchor Park. Separate story later, but for now, we’ll be updating here.

7:28 AM: It’s now southward, headed for Harbor Island. We’re watching from Jack Block. Check our Twitter feed for photos.

7:54 AM: And it’s now in the East Waterway, arriving at Harbor Island. Our last view from JB Park:

And into the East Waterway it goes. pic.twitter.com/30hnimvV6c

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) February 29, 2016

Meantime, rain’s returned.

8:24 AM: Motorcycle vs. semitruck crash reported on Harbor Island, 16th SW and SW Lander.

8:35 AM: Sounds like the motorcycle rider, a 31-year-old man, will be OK – hand and arm injuries, per scanner.

8:59 AM: One more note about the big boat – thanks for the photos! – we’ll be including a gallery with our coverage of the welcoming event that’s coming up at the Port later this morning.

stb February 29, 2016 (7:06 am)

Right lane of N99 just before Western exit blocked by dead garbage truck. Police are there.

newnative February 29, 2016 (8:05 am)

Good excuse to walk up the hill and see something different. Thanks for the heads up. I caught it just as it came into the Bay in front of downtown.

WSEA February 29, 2016 (8:32 am)

The water taxi fares are getting expensive. I took my family to a ballgame using the taxi years ago but its a lot cheaper now to drive to the stadium. Wish they would implement a game day fare to encourage more families to use the taxi during game day.

chemist February 29, 2016 (12:41 pm)

Where is your game-day parking so cheap that a $5.25 adult fare (or less) seems unreasonable ?
- WSEA February 29, 2016 (12:58 pm)
  
  @chemist – as mentioned in my post, i said “my family” – 4 adults fares both ways is $40. I can park for $20 or less depending on parking distance. Its cheaper to park.
  - sam-c February 29, 2016 (1:02 pm)
    
    That is what I was going to mention “Family.” yes, much more $$ than driving/ parking. And heck, when the M’s are not that great, it is pretty easy to find free parking (if you’re willing to walk many blocks) if you get there at least an hour before the game. Much of the parking in SODO is like 1- 2 hour parking (and that ends at 6pm) and Sundays, FREE.

Sorry, comment time is over.