TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates & advance alerts

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

7:11 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this rainy morning.

Alerts:

*25th SW paving in North Delridge is scheduled to continue today.
*Reminder that Metro’s next “service change” takes effect Saturday – here’s what happens for routes in our area (plus a reminder of the Columbia/2nd stop closing downtown).
*The Orca Half Marathon will be run between Lincoln Park and Don Armeni Boat Launch on Sunday. Organizers say they will be running on sidewalks and the Alki Trail, and in the parking lane. (Not running? Volunteer!)

More…

carole September 21, 2017 (8:38 am)

They also reduced the 55 to peak only, putting further pressure on the C line.

West Seattle since 1979 September 21, 2017 (8:59 am)

Again?? I knew they’d reduced the 55 to peak only years ago when the Rapid Ride C started, but I didn’t realize they were reducing it further this time.
Sue September 21, 2017 (11:25 am)

They reduced the 55 to peak only several years ago, so that’s not new. They’re actually adding 2 buses in this new change. None of the buses otherwise have been removed.

P September 21, 2017 (9:38 am)

I’m just curious as to why traffic seems to be becoming increasingly awful. Even leaving at 6:45 it takes me nearly 45 minutes to get to SLU. Any thoughts?

WSB September 21, 2017 (9:43 am)

This morning I had to experience it firsthand while heading to an event at the UW. Left the house at 7:50, got to UW around 9. Getting to the bridge-to-northbound I-5 exit bottleneck was a crawl, no incidents aside from seeing and hearing the driver to my left, as I merged, pop a tire. Couldn’t mention it here because I was driving. But really, even in the ’90s when I worked some regular day shifts at my first TV gig, the bridge was bad. – TR
West Seattle since 1979 September 21, 2017 (9:54 am)

More people? Also there was some rain this morning, which always seems to slow things down.
- Trickycoolj September 21, 2017 (11:28 am)
  
  Had to commute to Everett this week normally only go to South Park. Was bummed to see traffic post doesn’t start until after 7am. To commute anywhere outside of downtown you have to leave here way before 7.
AMD September 21, 2017 (1:19 pm)

It gets noticeably worse when the school year starts. This year that seemed to fall pretty closely to when the rain started again after the dry spell (which also typically increases commute times).

It’s definitely worse than it was a month ago, but not so much worse than the usual school year and rainy season slowdowns that it feels like anything else is going on.
- P September 21, 2017 (9:21 pm)
  
  I was thinking more people for sure. School starting never made too much sense since I figured most who live in WS would have kids who go to school on this side (but I’m speculating out of ignorance on that one).
  
  Last year it seemed like traffic started to get to get backed up around 7:30 now I feel I need to be out the house no later than 7 to make sure my 5 mile drive takes no longer than an hour.
  
  Even going under the bridge seems equally as terrifying.
  
  I was just curious as to insight
  
  is it possible that construction is the issue even though it’s happening on the other side ?

CAM September 21, 2017 (9:46 am)

There was a crew working on the barrier which splits the exit to the viaduct on the bridge going east just a few minutes ago. It looked like repairs but I only had a quick glimpse.

TJ September 21, 2017 (9:49 am)

P, I agree. The last 2 weeks have been brutal. Admiral backed up almost to the top. And I take the first Avenue exit, which now is backed up onto the bridge, taking 3 light changes at the bottom on 1st to turn. Schools starting doesn’t explain it as it was not this bad in June when schools were in session.

Steven September 21, 2017 (9:53 am)

It’s time for a moratorium on new multi unit construction until the infrastructure( light rail!) has been built out to accommodate the demand in our city.

WSEA September 21, 2017 (9:58 am)

My thoughts are that some (like my wife) only work when school starts for a seasonal job. I also have friends leave early now that they have after school sports, music, etc.. to help shuttle kids. The commute is so bad that I recently rejected a job offer on the east side since it was not worth the drive headache. Hopefully lightrail will help in the future.

West Seattle since 1979 September 21, 2017 (10:09 am)

I wish the completion date for light rail could be moved up.

Joe September 21, 2017 (12:00 pm)

This morning I drove my partner into downtown and had a run in with some awful road rage. A woman was attempting to merge(?) onto West Seattle Bridge from Delridge. No turn signal, no indication as to whether she was going to merge left to go to I-5 or go to the right to get onto 99. As I came along side her she flipped me off and turned on her turn signal. She followed me to where I got off on 4th flashing her brights, honking and gesticulating widely. She was clearly an insane person. She started taking pictures of me and my partner so I asked my partner to take pictures of her as well since she was alone and using both hands to use her phone. Hands Free Law is in affect people!! Get off your phones and do the job of driving the 2 ton car you’re driving around. Seems like this is getting worse lately which is why I usually take the bus.

sam-c September 21, 2017 (12:56 pm)

!!! Wow. so ridiculous to get so worked up about driving. (I kinda wish you had included the photos with your comment)

Seems like it easiest to get agitated about driving when you are running late, which is, in turn, the worst time to get agitated. I always have to take a deep breath and remind myself I’ll be a LOT more late if I get in an accident and have to stop to deal with it.

I’ve also started making up stories for other drivers, that make their erratic behaviour (even though illegal sometimes) more acceptable. “sure she just tailgated me for two blocks, then passed me because I’m doing 20mph on a residential street, but maybe she’s a single mom, her baby-sitter was late this morning, and if she’s late one more time this month, she’s going to lose her job…..good luck crazy driver.” :)

susieq29 September 21, 2017 (2:16 pm)

Yeah, it’s WAY worse this year than even last year at this time. Hopefully it’ll ease once school is in full swing in a month or so but it really comes down to ONE lane for all of north West Seattle to get onto I-5N. I go I-5S and it takes forever just to get there! No more micro housing and how about the bus lane is bus AND carpool?