LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE NOTES: Warning signs fixed; West Seattle Water Taxi update; bicycle shuttle extended

Two Three notes related to the West Seattle “low bridge” closure that’s expected to last at least a week:

WARNING SIGNS: As mentioned in our morning traffic coverage, the long-broken, reported-but-not-fixed “use high-level bridge” sign on Delridge suddenly became a crisis with the bridge closure. One reader escalated it to Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who in turn escalated it to SDOT, saying the sign needs to be fixed immediately. Herbold staffer Newell Aldrich just forwarded this update from SDOT:

Crews have fixed two flashers for the “When flashing use high level bridge” signs on Delridge Way SW. They are working to fix the others on Admiral Way SW and SW Spokane St.

BIKES ON THE WATER TAXI: Since the bridge closure has taken out the main route for bicycles, some are using the West Seattle Water Taxi. We asked spokesperson Brent Champaco if there was an uptick this morning. He replied, “Although we don’t officially count bikes boarding the West Seattle route, our crew reported a surge in bikes onboard this morning.” He added: “As a side note related to this, we actually had plans to pull the Doc Maynard out of service next Monday through Wednesday for some maintenance work, which would have placed the Spirit of Kingston in service. However, due to the emergency closure, we decided to postpone that maintenance until later in July to provide additional passenger and bike capacity (the Doc Maynard holds ten more bikes than the Spirit of Kingston).” The bike rack on Doc Maynard, which became the main WS vessel two years ago, has an official capacity of 26 bicycles. (3:34 PM UPDATE: Regarding ridership rise today, Champaco tells WSB, “Ridership for the morning commute was up 12.5 percent over yesterday’s ridership.:

ADDED 12:57 PM – BICYCLE SHUTTLE EXTENDED: Just in from SDOT:

Inspections are underway following last night’s emergency low-level West Seattle Bridge “closure” – essentially a forced extended opening to enable inspection and repairs. With bicyclists impacted significantly, to reach alternative routes over the Duwamish River, we will continue van service for bicycle commuters and evaluate use throughout the week.

·Shuttles for bicyclists operating during heavy commute hours: 6 to 10 AM and 3 to 7PM .

More details to come, on bridge damage associated with hydraulic fluid leakage. The leak is inside a machine room that holds the huge cylinders which turn the bridge sections in for roadway traffic and out for marine traffic.

8 Replies to "LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE NOTES: Warning signs fixed; West Seattle Water Taxi update; bicycle shuttle extended"

  • Darryll June 21, 2018 (1:54 pm)

    Anyone know where the bike shuttles are picking up and dropping off cyclists?

    • WSB June 21, 2018 (2:10 pm)

      Both approaches to the bridge, is what SDOT said. Perhaps someone who rode a shuttle last night can confirm or elaborate.

      • Vern June 21, 2018 (3:22 pm)

        They picked us up and dropped us off just passed the closure signs on either side.

    • Amy June 21, 2018 (3:24 pm)

      Second wanting to know where the pick up and drop off for bikes is. Thanks for the update! 

  • Mary June 21, 2018 (2:40 pm)

    Is the shuttle also available for pedestrians — those who take the 50/120/125  and then walk to get to Harbor Island?

  • Moot June 22, 2018 (8:02 am)

    I rode eastbound early this morning (about 5:45AM) and there were no signs relating to alternative routes for either water taxi, shuttle or route to be taken as a detour (there was a single sign directing cyclists south on West Marginal Way but not signs on the beyond that).

  • MARLENE MASER July 9, 2018 (1:56 pm)

    It is now July 9th.Can anyone tell me if its ok to travel froM West Seattle to Capitol Hill over the West Seattle Bridge? Reach me at M.A.MASER48 @Gmail.com..,Id really appreciate info.THANKS!I want to travel by BUS.METRO…MARLWENE MASER

    • WSB July 9, 2018 (2:53 pm)

      Yes, the bridge has long since reopened.

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