TRAFFIC, TRANSIT & WEATHER: Monday watch; Arbor Heights hit-run; West Seattle Bridge crash

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

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

7:02 AM: Good morning. It’s a rainy Monday, first day of winter break for schools. No major problems reported in West Seattle or on the outbound routes right now.

7:11 AM: Note that there is a weather alert through 11 am for potential coastal flooding – high tide is at 9:24 am, 12.5 feet, half a foot lower than the tide that came up over the Alki seawall back on Friday, but still high, especially with some wind in the mix.

7:42 AM: Two incidents to note – via Twitter, @klang reports a problem on the Alaskan Way Viaduct NB, just before the Battery Street Tunnel. Not on the real-time 911 log. But a West Seattle incident is – a medic response in Arbor Heights, 35th SW/SW 106th. We’re on our way to find out what’s happening there.

7:53 AM: John says via Twitter that a pedestrian was hit by a driver – the particular level of medic response in this call usually means pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist. No information on condition so far. Meantime, there also is a response right now downtown at 1st and Columbia (by the entrance to the southbound AWV) for an incident that also reportedly involves a pedestrian, and scanner traffic indicates 1st is blocked.

7:58 AM: Back to the Arbor Heights incident [photo above] – police confirm what John told us, that it was hit-run and they are looking for the driver. The victim was taken to the hospital by private ambulance, indicating non-life-threatening injuries, and SFD cleared the scene shortly after we arrived.

Meantime, yet another incident – Kevin just tweeted about a crash “just past the crest” of the high bridge, with one car facing the wrong way.

8:08 AM: That was in the right lane of the eastbound bridge when Kevin’s C Line bus passed it. Meantime, SDOT says the 1st/Columbia scene downtown is now clear.

8:12 AM: There’s no camera view of the bridge crash but a texter says that it’s causing issues with people trying to exit to 99, and that police are on the scene.

8:25 AM: New trouble report – via text, stoplight at 4th and Roxbury is reported to be malfunctioning. Remember, a broken/out signal means it’s an all-ways stop.

Finally @seattledot cam is on bridge crash scene pic.twitter.com/kBSdfKSvo8

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) December 19, 2016

8:30 AM: Added above – the SDOT camera was at least fleetingly on the right-lane bridge wreck and we recorded a bit of video. Tow truck now on scene.

8:47 AM: Scene clear, says SDOT. Thanks again to everyone who messaged about this – SDOT’s first mention lagged while, so tips were vital.

stb December 19, 2016 (7:46 am)

Right lane on 99N is blocked just past Seneca exit. Slowing down traffic. It does look like it will be cleared soon though.

anonyme December 19, 2016 (8:15 am)

I’m not surprised someone was hit at that intersection, and the school is a block away. 35th south of Roxbury is a speedway. Many, many drivers don’t even acknowledge the flashing school zone lights, and every other vehicle contains a texting driver. Maybe we’ll get some brief enforcement after this. Cameras – even better.

waikikigirl December 19, 2016 (10:09 am)

The pedestrian hit I think this was on 35th and 106th or was there another one?

WSB December 19, 2016 (10:12 am)

The one we covered most extensively above was 35th/106th.

We also mentioned – because morning traffic coverage includes incidents of significance between here and downtown – the one at 1st/Columbia. No further info on that, but it cleared fairly quickly. – TR

Hoku December 19, 2016 (6:59 pm)

I often wait for a bus a few blocks south of 106th on 35th SW between 6:30am and 7:15am. Several times in the past couple of years I’ve seen cars coming from the south going north so fast that I haven’t been able to see the license plate (or take a photo). I am so sorry this person was hurt by a hit and run driver this morning. This incident is especially concerning since there are always so many kids crossing the street at this intersection.

"Car facing the wrong way" December 20, 2016 (7:15 am)

Hi, I was involved in the crash on the bridge yesterday and was the car facing the other direction. Luckily, I’m ok, but I was aggressively rear ended by another car that fled the scene for reasons I am unaware. Unfortunately not one person that may have witnessed the crash stayed behind to provide any information on the car that hit me and took off. I find it very hard to believe that no one saw this incident happen. I didn’t get a good look at the car since it happened so fast, but it looked like a light colored SUV or truck. From the damage it did to my back end I assume it was a larger vehicle. This person must had some kind of road rage, holiday rage or was drunk and is obviously a danger to others on the road. So, if you have any information please contact the police department. Be safe out there and courteous to one another!

WSB December 20, 2016 (7:48 am)

Glad you are OK; sorry it happened. We seem to be having an epidemic of hit-and-runs lately … I have another one from the bridge hours earlier yesterday, in queue for Crime Watch. Will mention yours too. Do you have the SPD incident #? – TR
- "Car Facing the Wrong Way" December 20, 2016 (10:28 am)
  
  Yes, I am. Thank you! People seem to be crazy this time of year, but it does seem especially bad lately. The SPD incident # is: 16-454467. I really hope these people can be caught since he/she could’ve killed me or someone else. Thank you for adding this to the list.

Terri Saxlund December 20, 2016 (11:05 am)

if this is the same hit & run my friend in a Tesla followed the car & was able to get license number. I hope this is the guy who hit you. good luck

Heather December 21, 2016 (6:25 am)

Terri, if you are referring to the hit and run on 106th, that was my sister. There is a case logged with SPD, please reply if you have that plate number. We would really appreciate it! My sister is doing ok, damage to her legs. The driver hit her, then ran over her! It is still such a shock that someone could do that and then drive away!! We are grateful she is ok and hope to get any info that witnesses can provide. Big thank you to all who stopped to help her!
- Denny Parent December 21, 2016 (11:15 am)
  
  Hi Heather. I am SO glad you posted this update about your sister. I was the 2nd one on the scene, right after she got hit. Not a day has gone by since then, that I haven’t thought of her and wondered how she is doing. I am absolutely sickened and disheartened that whomever hit her fled the scene! Please let your sister know I’m sending her good thoughts.
Heather December 21, 2016 (6:30 am)

Terri, did your friend in the Tesla get the license plate of the driver in the hit and run on 106th? My sister was the one who was hit. We would appreciate any info your friend has, if that is the same accident. It was a white PT Cruiser, according to my sis. She was hit in the crosswalk and then the driver ran the car over her and fled the scene. Unbelievable! :( Any info is greatly appreciated!

"Car Facing the Wrong Way" December 20, 2016 (2:37 pm)

Thank you, Terri. I really appreciate your friend doing that even if it was a different hit and run. We’ve all got to look out for one another when we can.

Kristen December 21, 2016 (6:58 pm)

I am so glad your sister is ok. I have been wondering. I called the police and unfortunately I did not get the license on the car but it was a white PT cruiser from what another witness and I saw. The car waited down the street for a bit and then took off. I tried to follow but was focused on getting the ambulance and police there. Fortunately the first person on the scene was a doctor. Again, so thrilled your sister is ok. What a terrible thing to witness.

Sorry, comment time is over.