POST-VIADUCT PM COMMUTE #4: Thursday afternoon/evening updates

(SDOT MAP with travel times / WS-relevant traffic cams / Water Taxi schedule, other helpful info HERE)

4:09 PM: We’re watching the pm commute again.

4:21 PM: WSDOT reports heavy volumes on both directions of I-5 through the region. The West Seattle Bridge is still sluggish eastbound (that’s a most-of-the-day thing now).

4:39 PM: Some trouble for those headed back this way from the Eastside – WSDOT reports a crash partly blocking the westbound I-90 exit to SB I-5.

4:57 PM: It’s raining – this morning’s real rain was mostly pre-commute, but this time it’s happening right in the heart of the travel time. Be safe.

5:08 PM: SDOT reports a crash at 16th/Roxbury.

5:37 PM: In comments, Jen reports “Semi blocking right WB lane under the upper bridge right before Avalon exit.”

6:21 PM: We’ve been listening to scanner traffic with a crash involving a Metro bus and wires down off SB 509 at 128th in Burien, and now a texter has mentioned it. Just an FYI if you’re headed in that direction – we haven’t seen any indication how/whether it’s affecting highway traffic.

6:28 PM: Just heard from a caller that this is affecting people trying to get onto SB 509 there. And Burien Police just tweeted:

Our units are currently at S. 128 St. at SR 509 for a collision involving a truck and a Metro bus. So far, injuries appear minor and aid is treating on scene. A power box was damaged and power is out in the immediate area. Please use alternate routes if possible.

— Burien Police (@BurienPD) January 18, 2019

6:47 PM: We weren’t on today’s media conference call due to a conflicting story interview (unrelated) but tomorrow we’re planning to cover a #Realign99 construction-zone tour and briefing. Any unanswered questions about how that’s going, let us know – thanks!

7:24 PM: A King County Sheriff’s Office photo from the 509/128th crash:

KCSO also says that “the driver of the white pickup truck is under arrest on suspicion of DUI.” He also was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Also: Today’s project update and other notes from WSDOT, including the morning West Seattle Water Taxi tally – under 1,000 for the first time this week but still triple last year’s ridership.

Graciano January 17, 2019 (4:23 pm)

GRACIANO JANUARY 17, 2019 (4:11 PM)

REPLYI can see why some commutes are not taking as long as expected… I work on 1st Ave. in the SODO area and while sitting in my car before going into work the cars are just flying by me a few of them were going so fast it shook my car like a train would have, and I don’t have a small car.SLOW DOWN dumb A$$’s speed limit is 35MPH and there’s a lot of people walking and biking in that area!!!POSTED THIS COMMENT ON AM THREAD BUT THOUGHT I’D POST IT HERE TOO.

Driver January 17, 2019 (5:45 pm)

Tonight 1st Avenue returned to its normal rush hour crawl.

Jen January 17, 2019 (5:24 pm)

Semi blocking right wb lane under the upper bridge right before Avalon exit

JCW January 17, 2019 (6:04 pm)

Lots of cars on the bus-only 3rd Ave tonight. It’s sloooooowwwwww going to get out of downtown. Our bus driver tried to tell a few folks (with out of state plates) and mentioned that traffic enforcement is on their way, which makes me think he notified Metro or something. Hopefully it gets better soon.