TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Sideways truck cleared from West Seattle Bridge’s 4th Avenue offramp after 5 hours

4:06 PM: That’s an SDOT-camera image of a semi-truck that’s gone onto its side on the 4th Avenue offramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge – so if you’re headed that way, you won’t be able to use that ramp for a while. To check the status, use the live-video feature at the lower right of the SDOT “travelers’ map” – choose Greater Duwamish on the pulldown, and then the 4th Avenue S./Spokane St. Viaduct camera, which is currently pointed at the scene.

4:59 PM: Camera shows a tow truck is now on the scene, though the truck has not yet been righted.

5:55 PM: Two tow trucks are there working on it, per the webcam view.

7:52 PM: Four hours and not upright yet – ramp still closed.

8:03 PM: If you watch the live video feed as explained above (not directly linkable, or we’d be doing that), the trailer’s now close to upright.

9 PM: As of a short time ago, SDOT says, the truck’s gone and the ramp’s open again.

Just Wondering March 27, 2017 (5:17 pm)

I’m having memories of the fish truck that overturned near Century Link Stadium!

KD March 27, 2017 (5:23 pm)

3 ‘topples’ in one week! (so far… )

West Seattle wins again!!

Dave March 27, 2017 (7:18 pm)

7:15 and still closed. Going on 3 plus hours.

KT March 27, 2017 (7:29 pm)

Guessing someone forgot what the speed limit was.

WestSeattleSteve March 27, 2017 (8:28 pm)

Or their load wasn’t properly secured.
- Tippy March 27, 2017 (9:47 pm)
  
  Judging by the number of axles on the trailer, that was a “super heavy” container. I see the “super heavy” placards on containers a lot around there (diamond shaped signs on the rear door) during my commute up 4th, and they also have extra trailer axles. I usually try and steer clear for this very reason. Too many speed racer tippy trucks these days!

Smitty March 28, 2017 (7:04 am)

Are semi-truck drivers getting worse or is there just better coverage? I don’t think the volumes are higher than they were – say – 15/20 years ago?

They use to be some of the best drivers on the streets, now I see them camping in the “fast lane” and trying to beat cars to exits.

Just like everything I guess. “Get off my lawn”!

North of Admiral March 28, 2017 (10:10 am)

Shorthaul drivers are typically not as experienced as long haul truckers you see with sleeper cabs. Most of these container truckers are paid by the trip and the more they can do in a day the more they make. Hence the way a bunch of them drive that is dangerous. Also, often times their trucks are not in the best state of repairs as they are typically well used. Lastly, the trailers they are hauling are not their trailers so the state of them is not always known by the driver.

In this case it does appear to be a heavy load and is likely why it took several hours to remove.

Marty2 March 28, 2017 (7:48 am)

I took that same exit Sunday (3/26) afternoon and noticed a semi catching up to me from behind and wondered if it was going too fast. I made sure not to be next to it just in case something like this could happen and indeed it can.

Lola March 28, 2017 (9:01 am)

Going a little too fast around that corner on the off ramp. Wow, you would think that they would have a clue. Do we need to have one of those yellow signs that show a curve on it to get these drivers to slow down?

dhg March 28, 2017 (9:34 am)

Truck driver unions were gutted long ago, leaving it to amateurs who couldn’t do anything else. Training is minimal, hours and pay are crap. Many people long past retirement age are taking these jobs because they’ve lost their long-term jobs and still need to make a living.

Hils March 28, 2017 (10:43 am)

I went by the accident soon after it, no police yet. There was a sports car with damage in front of the truck. Both drivers were unhurt. Don’t want to speculate, but, if you’re driving a vehicle with a large turn radius you need to go slow

Sorry, comment time is over.