TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday updates; 9 days to Viaduct closure

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

5:58 AM: Good morning! The list of upcoming traffic alerts is longer this morning:

ROAD REPAIRS ON 26TH SW: Starting Monday, south of Westwood Village, with some detours/re-routes, explained here.

FAUNTLEROY EXPRESSWAY CLOSURES: The nighttime closures on the west end of the bridge start one week from tonight. We’re still awaiting an update from SDOT with final word on lane closures under the bridge.

ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT CLOSURE: And we’re now 9 days away from the Alaskan Way Viaduct being closed while the Highway 99 tunneling machine goes beneath it – that’s set to start before the morning commute on Friday, April 29th. The online clearinghouse of closure info is at 99closure.org – even a page where the state promises to post tunneling progress reports once or twice a day during the closure.

8:22 AM: Crash at 35th/Holden … but it is reported to have cleared quickly.

8:55 AM: If you are a Water Taxi rider – this afternoon on the downtown dock, it’s your chance to get a look at the upcoming Colman Dock overhaul:

King County Water Taxi and WSF staff will be at Pier 50 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. to share the latest design for the Seattle Multimodal Terminal at Colman Dock. This includes the design of the new Water Taxi facility. Please stop by to learn more and ask questions.

Michael Essi April 20, 2016 (8:11 am)

And the nightmare begins. Looks like it’s time to enjoy being at home and not getting a paycheck.

On the brighter side, I will have more time to spend with my dog at all the beautiful parks in West Seattle.

sam-c April 20, 2016 (8:30 am)

I like seeing people commute by bike, meaning fewer cars on the road, and I like to give them room and pass them safely and slowly with lots of room. But, it gets annoying when cyclists ride side by side instead of single file, especially when they are going 10-11 mph, there’s not enough room to pass them, and they’re holding up about 5 cars. Why?!? and yes, regular WSB commenters, “what’s the big deal, it only added 1-2 minutes to my commute?” That’s not the point. The point is common courtesy, especially when there’s an impatient driver right on my butt.

watertowerjoey April 20, 2016 (9:09 am)

Agreed Sam. I like riders too, but seriously? Are you chatting or something?

Also, good call on the “only adds 1-2 minutes….” BS. Add up all those “1-2 minutes” and we’re talking serious time – PER DAY.

K'lo April 20, 2016 (9:52 am)

State law is: delay of 5 vehicles illegal, pull to the side – perhaps it should apply to bicycles too?

chemist April 20, 2016 (12:20 pm)

It does apply to bicycles, because cyclists have the same rights and duties for most of the laws per RCW. See RCW 46.61.755

Neighbor April 20, 2016 (9:57 am)

As a bike commuter I appreciate you giving bicyclist safe room when passing. I agree with you about the side-by-side riding; I don’t like it either as it’s not safe. I also find it annoying when pedestrians do this on shared-used paths and are often so engaged with their walking partner that he/she is oblivous of other users. Don’t be a path hog!

Alf April 20, 2016 (11:05 am)

I find it pretty repugnant when people who drive everywhere complain about people riding bicycles, especially when it’s wrapped in fake “I like it when they aren’t in MY way” platitudes. Your time isn’t worth other people’s safety. Don’t want to drive behind bikes? Take the bus or move somewhere more suited to the antisocial me first car culture attitude.

watertowerjoey April 20, 2016 (1:48 pm)

Hey ALF, trust me. I complain about people driving cars too. Its allowed, you know. Especially if people (whether they are riding a bike or driving a car or driving a bus) are being inconsiderate and/or selfish.

I can think of no reason to ride side-by-side on a bike. If there is a legitimate one (and no, slowing down the “man” just because he is burning fossil fuels isn’t legit) would you please enlighten us?

sam-c April 20, 2016 (2:38 pm)

repugnant, lol. Wasn’t hoping to start a cars/ bike debate when i was venting this morning, sorry WSB. Guess what ALF, my spouse does bike / bus to work, downtown. I don’t – not strong enough to carry the toddler in the Burley up and down the hills of WS- plus I’ve heard here on WSB that pulling low to the ground Burleys on arterials is a dumb idea. My other child did say he wants to start running to school !! I don’t think he’s actually ready for that as a first grader.

Doing my WS rounds to school/ daycare/work would take 2 hours by bus (when it takes 20 ish minutes by car). Sorry if you think that’s too ‘me first’ – but I like to spend time with my family. Plus they get hangry pretty early in the evening.

but since that 1-2 minutes is so important to me (j/k maybe you missed the part where i said it wasn’t about the time, it was just common courtesy, like holding door for people),…it’s a good thing I don’t often encounter cyclists riding 2 abreast at 10mph.