TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: First post-Viaduct weekday – AM coverage

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

5:30 AM: Good morning! As promised, we’re on watch early for the first post-Viaduct commute. No outbound trouble reported so far.

5:40 AM: WSDOT reports a collision on NB I-5 downtown: “in the gore point on NB 5 near Seneca; it isn’t blocking anything, but people are seeing it and slowing, so we are seeing a bit heavier traffic in that area.”

6:04 AM: Our crew is now headed to Seacrest to report on the Water Taxi commute for the rest of the morning, in addition to everything else we’re monitoring.

6:28 AM: Solid brake lights on the eastbound bridge. And an interesting report in comments – Route 56 did stop at the light-rail station, something Metro said they wouldn’t do. Please keep us all updated on anomalies (we’ll ask at the media briefings/Q&A sessions later). Also – wherever you see a temporary no-parking sign, TAKE IT SERIOUSLY!

Some of those zones are meant as holding zones for added buses that might be needed. … Meantime, still lots of room on the Water Taxi. The county isn’t providing passenger counts so far but we counted about 80 people boarding the one that’s about to leave.

6:40 AM: Update – 112 on that sailing. Still room (both boats on the WS run have 200+ capacity). Also, the low bridge opened for 11 minutes. Note that the temporary restrictions are in effect 7-10 am and 2-5 pm, and even during that time, it can still open for 5,000-gross-ton-plus vessels.

6:58 AM: 4700 block of West Marginal Way SW (by the Duwamish Longhouse) has a Seattle Fire “rescue extrication” response headed that way for a crash that is reported to be possibly “in a wooded area.” … Update: Car on roof, off road, one person hurt. Response is still likely to be affecting W. Marginal Way flow for a while.

7:12 AM: Water Taxi dock busy but NOT over capacity, still. Most-recent boat left with 110+ people. Here’s the line:

Marination Ma Kai at the dock is opening at 7 am for breakfast.

Meantime: Andy tells us that West Marginal near the Longhouse-vicinity crash scene is slick – temps this morning were close to freezing. We’re also told traffic there IS getting by despite the emergency response. … Thanks to everyone who’s sharing their experience in comments!

7:39 AM: The headline seems to be, everybody left early so backups started earlier. Meantime back at the dock, sailings are now surpassing 200 (getting closer to capacity). King County Executive Dow Constantine, longtime WT champion, is at the dock too (in photo with KC Marine Division’s Paul Brodeur):

7:49 AM: West Seattle-residing Seattle Times transportation reporter Mike Lindblom tweeted that the 7:30 am bike counter on the “low bridge” showed 278. Meantime, most-recent Water Taxi run was just under 100. The Metro supervisor keeping watch on the temporary parking lot at Pier 2 tells us it’s only about a quarter full – free shuttle to the dock – so if you’re still considering how to get off the peninsula, that’s an option.

8:03 AM: A warning from Rebecca: “Please post a warning ASAP about the northern tip of California Ave where the street makes a sharp turn. I just saw two bicyclists and a moped wipe out there!! Very slippery right now.” She sent this photo:

(Rebecca adds that Ferry Avenue is slick too.) Meantime, bus riders say things are going relatively well – including private transit; an Amazon bus rider from The Junction said the 7 am trip only took five minutes longer than last week.

8:23 AM: SDOT reports “So far, light traffic on major roads in Downtown Seattle.”

8:38 AM: The 8:15 am Water Taxi had 139 people on board. KC Marine Division confirms that they are leaving on schedule even if there are people waiting – Heather e-mailed us about this and said about 15 people were affected at one point during the 6 am hour; our crew hasn’t seen a major amount of this happening, but still, be aware – they are loading until one minute before scheduled departure, and then taking off. Also, the free shuttles have been pretty much at capacity.

(That’s the San Juan Clipper, the second boat on the West Seattle run during this extra-service time.)

8:47 PM: And a big-picture stat – through 8:35, just under 1,200 passengers on Water Taxi runs this morning, 66 percent above normal this time of year. Ride2 has had 150 riders (we’re checking on commenters’ reports of app glitches).

9 AM: If you’ve waited to leave – this would seem to be a pretty great time. We added to the array of cameras on our Traffic page so you can see for yourself beyond the four we are showcasing above.

9:27 AM: Another icy-road report, just in via text:

Might be worth noting in your traffic reporting that Snake Hill on the way to Brandon is terribly terribly icy. I just picked up and took home a couple of bicyclists I came upon who had wiped out on their way down. Bumped and bruised and broke a one of the bikes. Another route to Delridge is advised.

9:43 AM: Don’t get complacent, is the reminder … everybody who made a change today DEFINITELY helped. We’ll be watching traffic through the day and will have a PM report too with an ear on getting back this way. We also expect morning post-mortems from the transportation agencies in a conference call in less than 2 hours, and a Metro briefing at 1:30 pm, so stand by for updates! Thanks again for texting/calling 206-293-6302 (our round-the-clock hotline, in its 12th year) when there’s something to report.

118 Replies to "TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: First post-Viaduct weekday - AM coverage"

  • CarDriver January 14, 2019 (5:36 am)

    More car’s than usual on Eastbound bridge this morning at 4:15am. Southbound I5 was normal for this time of the morning. Northbound looked at it’s usual level.

  • SeaSpade January 14, 2019 (5:56 am)

    Haven’t paid a lot of attention to the information provided, but was caught by surprise with the dedicated bus lane to 4th Saturday (the right of the two lanes on the offramp all the way through the light).  Given the middle lane is eligible for turns either way, am guessing this will be a source of backup using 4th to get downtown.

  • Rachel January 14, 2019 (6:22 am)

    A happy plot twist: the 56 did drop riders off at the SODO light rail stop, which Metro previously said they would not do! Great option for folks commuting into downtown or UW who don’t want to deal with traffic. With the new bus lane at the 4th Ave Exit, it made it very quick to the SODO light rail stop. The bus turned right after the exit and went up the SODO busway instead of 4th Ave. 

    • 56 Rider January 14, 2019 (8:25 am)

      My 56/57 driver on Friday announced that he’d be stopping at Lander, and I wasn’t sure if that was an official change or if he was just planning to go rogue. Very pleased to hear buses are making that stop! I took the water taxi this morning, but the bus is FAR more convenient for me. I’m going to try it tomorrow and hope for that transfer to lightrail option at Lander!

  • Yeahright102 January 14, 2019 (6:29 am)

    I thought that the low bridge would not be opened during the commute times, from the traffic cam, it looks like it is open.Was there a change of plans?

    • WSB January 14, 2019 (6:36 am)

      No openings – for boats less than 5,000 tons – ALSO, between 7 and 10 am (it’s not 7 am yet).

  • Wsgal January 14, 2019 (6:31 am)

    On the cam, looks like the lower bridge is open to boats – – thought they were going to try to do that less during the morning commute? 

    • WSB January 14, 2019 (6:35 am)

      Yes, they were, except they said they would still be opening for 5,000-ton-plus boats.

  • Paul January 14, 2019 (6:32 am)

    Left west Seattle at 530 and got to downtown Bellevue at 600am.  All good except I’m not an early morning person.  

    • Maria January 14, 2019 (6:59 am)

      Ditto.  5:45 traffic was starting to build similar to previously 6:45am traffic.

      • JK January 14, 2019 (7:20 am)

         Agree!  I’m usually a 7:00 am commuter; but, left at 5:30 am…was surprised that the WS Bridge was half full of cars at 5:40am.  Hang in there everyone:).

        • Winniegirl January 14, 2019 (3:45 pm)

          That is my usual commute time and think that’s when the ferry traffic starts. It was a little busier than normal, but not much. 

    • 98126res January 14, 2019 (7:02 am)

      Thx for the laugh… may a dark bold cup o joe help your early ride or your favorite beverage.

  • smittytheclown January 14, 2019 (6:35 am)

    Even with the Bus Only lane on 4th, it was easy sailing (by car) at 5:40 all the way through downtown.  Probably not a huge surprise because that is pretty early, but I did expect a bit more traffic.I understand the need for the new 4th Bus Only lane, but that is going to eventually create some huge backups.  Wish they would have made it carpool/bus.Good luck this afternoon – that’s when we we REALLY see the impact.

  • Westgirl January 14, 2019 (6:38 am)

    I’m assuming the helicopter I’ve been hearing is for traffic coverage?

  • Chris January 14, 2019 (6:43 am)

    Helicopters keep buzzing Admiral

    • WSB January 14, 2019 (6:47 am)

      Yup, just TV helicopters watching the bridge.

      • Quiet please January 14, 2019 (7:13 am)

        Ok I get it, the news channels want their cameras to pick up all the trafficHowever they SHOULD respect neighborhoods especially in the early morning hoursThe helicopters should stay just over the traffic

  • Kristina January 14, 2019 (6:44 am)

    Left my home near the WS Nursery at about 6:01. Used the 4th exit to get to I-90, and then went to work near downtown Bellevue (Bellevue High School, off Bellevue Way). We arrived at 6:28am, which is actually really close to our regular commute.”Our” because now I’m carpooling. The deaths of local orcas have really shaken me about the impact of human lives on our environment (and of course, there are a million other proofs of that impact, too), and so I got organized at last and created a work carpool. The three of us have been carpooling for a couple of months – hurrah! It’s actually pretty great: wonderful colleagues to chat with, I only have to drive 1/3 of the time (so 1/3 the amount of gas I buy, 1/3 the wear and tear on my car), and it’s forcing me to work a reasonable amount (not so much extra) because I can honestly say to my students “gotta go to my carpool!” It’s a big win all around, I wish I’d done it sooner, but with Viadoom it’s a really good time to try it out if you haven’t.We’ll see how long it takes to get home at 4pm….

    • Also John January 14, 2019 (7:27 am)

      Glad to hear you’ve changed your life.for the environment.  I hope more will follow your example.  Now if we can get people to start having less kids…….  That’s where the difference will come from.  Good news over the weekend was that Americans did have fewer babies in 2017 then in the past 30 years….

    • CatLady January 14, 2019 (7:43 am)

      This is great!! I mean not that our planet is dying, but that you’ve found a carpool that works for you. I hope you’re able to keep doing it! 

    • KM January 14, 2019 (8:13 am)

      Thank you for carpooling! I don’t have a commute, but I have definitely been biking and walking more often for my errands around WS.

  • WS Parent January 14, 2019 (6:47 am)

    For anyone as frustrated as our family with the constant hovering of the KOMO TV helicopter waking our kids up too early, here are the emails and phone directly into the newsroom.After 15 minutes of hovering, I just called the newsroom.
    tips@komonews.com
    Dwhitaker@komonews.com (reporter in the helicopter)
    https://komonews.com/station/people/denise-whitaker
    Newsroom: 206.404.4145
    https://twitter.com/komonews

    • LJJ January 14, 2019 (7:29 am)

      Seriously. We’re in the same boat (kids up early… and cranky). Given the duration and circling (and sirens heading to the accident near the Duwamish), I thought there was some kind of big emergency. It’s not enough that people have to deal with the stress of the traffic disruptions this morning— everyone at home has to deal with helicopters and tired/cranky kids, too. 

    • Send that January 14, 2019 (7:39 am)

      News choppers dont belong over neighborhoods to report FREEWAY/Road conditions, they can stay over water and SODO areas (industrial).   There are noise ordinances that TV crews have to follow too! Report to FAA and news stations.  They can fly higher or away from neighborhoods.  Its not a crisis, major crime, natural disaster or parade!tips@komonews.comDwhitaker@komonews.com (reporter in the helicopter)https://komonews.com/station/people/denise-whitakerNewsroom: 206.404.4145https://twitter.com/komonews

  • L January 14, 2019 (6:48 am)

    Just curious if WSB will be reporting how this impacts commute within WS.  Backed up traffic on Delridge can impact getting to places north within WS.

    • WSB January 14, 2019 (7:10 am)

      If we get reports, we’ll share them. We’re only as good as the info we get. Need everybody’s help!

      • WS Parent January 14, 2019 (7:13 am)

        enough with the helicopter! Everyone knows to come to the blog for news, not be watching TV

  • Susan January 14, 2019 (6:49 am)

    Left at 0600, arrived at 0625 to the hospital. Several speeding, aggressive drivers on 35th Ave SW before Alaska, lots of bus lane violators in the “old” bus lane and now in the “new” 4th Ave bus lane.  None of that seemed necessary as 35th was not backed up and traffic was moving the whole time. 

  • Shawn January 14, 2019 (6:52 am)

    I haven’t left for my bus yet, but I’d wager a paycheck that Avalon-to-bridge is going to be the choke point for buses. I hope I get one of those drivers who knows how to maneuver around the clogs rather than sitting in traffic like a car. It’s rare, but it happens.

  • NativeWestSeattleite January 14, 2019 (7:00 am)

    Left White Center at 6:30, experienced 7:30 traffic. Travel time (33 minutes from White Center to Bellevue, with quick carpool drop off at Stadium). We have been working toward 5:30 departure the last couple weeks to prepare for this (and obviously still struggled). I’m noticing traffic lights don’t seem to be synchronised for “rush hour” and I have been stopping a lot on 1st and 4th for lights. Is there any way to tell if the city has altered light patterns to account for earlier commute starts? 

    • Winniegirl January 14, 2019 (3:44 pm)

      I travel that corridor everyday around 5:45, with more traffic than you would expect, and the lights are never coordinated. 

  • Sleep Mode January 14, 2019 (7:10 am)

    I got on the bridge at 35th around 6:15 am and made it to Beacon Hill by 6:30. Not bad! Anyone else have a WS to Beacon Hill commute experience to share? It would be nice to leave a little later if possible, but I worry about the backup on the bridge. 

    • Kim January 14, 2019 (8:54 am)

      I’m Delridge to Columbia City.  Didn’t plan on taking the bridge but rolled the dice so I could see how it went.  Left at my normal time to compare (7:15 for 8:00 start) and was pleasantly surprised!  Bridge traffic was slightly heavier than normal but was in the office at 7:45. 

      • Sleep Mode January 14, 2019 (4:00 pm)

        Thanks, Kim!

  • Commuter person January 14, 2019 (7:11 am)

    Driving from Westwood Village at 6:10am to SLU took about 45 mins. I also got stuck at the lower bridge being open though… 

  • Cool Rick January 14, 2019 (7:13 am)

    As a regular water taxi commuter who lives within walking distance, I am not looking forward to the filthy masses ruining my nice, sleepy commute

    • Lisa January 14, 2019 (7:24 am)

      Wow, Cool Rick, you sound like a joy to be around. Who says the masses are filthy. Really?

    • Adam January 14, 2019 (8:10 am)

      wow indeed.  Maybe you ought to buy your own boat, Rick, if you’re too good to ride with other commuters.  Maybe public transportation just isn’t for you, or maybe you just don’t understand the concept of “public” transportation.  Either way, I hope someone really “filthy” sat right next to you this morning.

      • WS SYL January 14, 2019 (8:28 am)

        I think Rick was kidding – let’s keep our sense of humor handy during all this!

    • Julia January 14, 2019 (8:20 am)

      You know what? I suspect Cool Rick is joking.

  • Amy Thomson January 14, 2019 (7:14 am)

    Hearing helicopters near our place.  We’re off of West Marginal near the accident.  Fingers crossed that the people in the car are okay!

    • WSB January 14, 2019 (7:16 am)

      The crash is off the road. We’re staying with the Water Taxi. The helicopters are TV choppers that were already up to look at the bridge, so they may be detouring over to look at the crash, but it’s NOT emergency-responder helicopters.

  • Kim January 14, 2019 (7:18 am)

    Left Alki at 6:30. Made it over the bridge and to work in the CD via 23rd by 7:00 am. Yes, crowded, but not different than usual—except I left 35 minutes early. 

  • Annoyed parent January 14, 2019 (7:22 am)

    HEY news stations-  KEEP YOUR DAMN CHOPPERS OVER THE FREEWAY OR SODO. We and out kids are sleeping.  No crime happening and not a disaster 😡😡

  • DrBathroom January 14, 2019 (7:26 am)

    Walked on pretty quickly for the 7:20 WT sailing. We’ve got the San Juan Clipper for the extra runs. Pretty full but not much of a wait. 

    • Stephanie January 14, 2019 (10:06 am)

      I was on that sailing too – upstairs. Was surprised not to hear a safety briefing – did they skip it, or was it just inaudible upstairs?

  • SuperAwesome January 14, 2019 (7:26 am)

    Left the house at 5:55 to catch the 6:07 37 bus to SODO.  Bus was 10 mins late and unexpectedly rerouted from 1st Avenue to the Bus Only Lane.  Took me an hour from Alki to Starbucks center in SODO that would have taken about 15 mins if I had just driven.

    • Eddie January 14, 2019 (8:34 am)

      Alki to Lander, 20 minutes by bike.

  • Ryan January 14, 2019 (7:32 am)

    6 am commute across WS bridge to I-5 N like a 6:45 commute -heavy volumes.  Good luck folks

  • Admiral January 14, 2019 (7:33 am)

    I left my house (Admiral & 38th) at 5:45, and there was still plenty of street parking near the water taxi (though I noticed many people parking further away and walking because they didn’t realize they could park closer in where the temp no parking signs are, since it was after 5am). I was on the 6:15 sailing.

  • Alicia January 14, 2019 (7:35 am)

    The #37 (6:16 departure) took the SODO Busway rather than 1st with the option to exit at SODO light rail stop, like the 56. Very zippy once on bridge with dedicated 4th avenue lane and cops giving buses priority at the turn from Royal Brougham back to 4th. It’s not clear to me from https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/schedules-maps/037.aspx if the 37 WS bound will stop at any of usual 1st Ave stops.

  • Brent Curtis January 14, 2019 (7:35 am)

    Left my house for my transit commute to UW about 45 minutes (6:45 today) early to be on the safe side. 120 was less crowded than my usual bus. Got me downtown 45 minutes earlier than I would have. The 49 driver for the bus I jumped on said he is running an hour behind for reasons unknown. But end result of day one is I left for work 45 minutes early, actually had a seat on the bus and will arrive at work 45 minutes early in about 5 minutes from now. Transit is great!

  • Taxi rider January 14, 2019 (7:37 am)

    If the water taxi is an option, please take it. 7:05 sailing was a breeze.

  • John January 14, 2019 (7:37 am)

    Took the first run of the #37 this morning, it was it’s usual ~8-10 minutes late. It filled up but not to the point of anyone needing to stand.   Some confusion on where the SoDo stops would be (There was also a Metro employee on board assisting the driver), it stopped somewhere north of Spokane on the Busway and at the SoDo Light Rail, then on to it’s usual back on 4th.  Overall the trip was maybe 15-20 minutes later than usual…not awful.   We’ll see what the rest of the week brings!

    • SuperAwesome January 14, 2019 (8:20 am)

      I couldn’t find any info on the metro site about the 37 being rerouted from 1st to 4th, is that for the whole closure?  Our 37 almost didn’t even stop at Lander until several of us protested.  Seemed like a lot of confusion.

      • WSB January 14, 2019 (8:26 am)

        Metro has warned that routes are subject to change at a moment’s notice. But we’ll be following up.

  • Plf January 14, 2019 (7:49 am)

    Give it a rest helicopter haters, show your children patience and that sometimes a community need should be considered above individual needthis is temporary and your anger is less than attractive to your neighbors and your kids, lead by example

  • NH January 14, 2019 (7:50 am)

    Was on the 57 leaving Admiral at 7 am, arrived at 3rd/Union 7:25! Nice. Traffic didn’t seem that heavy, bus had lots of room, maybe a lot of it shifted earlier? We’ll see how the trip home goes…

  • Burienboi January 14, 2019 (7:52 am)

    Had to help my 122 burien bus dri er as he got lost around the Spokane st please tell metro drivers to follow detour signs!

  • Lynda January 14, 2019 (7:58 am)

    Does anyone know if any of the sailings allow dogs during this time?

    • WSB January 14, 2019 (8:30 am)

      We double-checked. Only service animals.

  • AMD January 14, 2019 (7:59 am)

    This is my third day commuting post-viaduct.  This is the third different route the 120 has taken to get me downtown.  It’s both reassuring and terrifying that the bus drivers are as confused as we are.  Saturday it took the busway but stopped in Pioneer Square and didn’t go any further into town.  Yesterday it took the busway and actually went all the way to 3rd and Virginia (expected route).  Today it took 4th instead of the busway, added a stop at the stadiums, and did go all the way down 3rd to Virginia.  Bottom line: keep your backup plan ready for a little while longer.  There’s no guarantee what happened today will (or should) happen again tomorrow.  It’s going to be a minute for everyone to figure it out.  Time was normal for a slightly later commute, which was nice.  Left White Center at 6:45 and was downtown about 7:30. 

    • Irishlady January 14, 2019 (9:04 am)

      Thanks, AMD.  I am letting the dust settle a bit, since I am able to work from home, before I get back on the bus.   Is is good to know the route I must take is making it to the final destination.   :)Good luck!

  • Jen January 14, 2019 (8:02 am)

    Left Morgan junction at 7:50 to head to SODO expecting huge backups. Made it to the 1st Ave exit in 10 minutes. As I suspected, no one is paying attention to the new bus only lane to 4th Ave, I wonder if they’ll have anyone monitor it. Hoping every day is like this, it’s actually better than it has been the last 6 months.

  • T@westwood January 14, 2019 (8:03 am)

    How is 35th doing going north to the bridge from Westwood area? Is the number 21 bus getting to 4th Ave ok?

  • Joe January 14, 2019 (8:08 am)

    7:45 AM C-line was only 1/4 full and made it downtown faster than usual, 18 minutes Avalon to Seneca. I guess nobody went to work today 

  • Jeremy Charbonneau January 14, 2019 (8:08 am)

    Left Luna Park area in the c ride. Took about 15 minutes to get down town. I assume this’ll change tomorrow, but I’ll enjoy the heck out of it today. 

  • TSurly January 14, 2019 (8:10 am)

     One of the easiest bike commutes I’ve had in along time, traffic volumes similar to the week of Xmas. Here is my prediction though. People will take a crack at changing there habits (telecommuting, riding the bus/water taxi, etc), but will revert back when the see traffic volumes, thinking it isn’t that bad. Everyone will be back in their cars on Wednesday, which is when the real hell will begin. 

    • David Barnes January 14, 2019 (8:23 am)

      My thoughts exactly, traffic volumes are low because people made adjustments. People will break rank and return to their normal commute tomorrow. 

    • NativeWestSeattleite January 14, 2019 (8:26 am)

      Agreed. I was discussing plans over weekend with other WS folks and we were laughing saying wouldn’t it be funny if everyone leaves early/late and the normal times folks breeze through their commute. Three of four of us were sitting it out remotely today to watch to see what happened. I do not think today is a good indicator of what is to come. 

      • JCW January 14, 2019 (9:27 am)

        Same – I’m remote today to see how things go, but planning on coming in Tues/Thurs during the week. I’m expecting tomorrow to be much worse than today. 

  • Sam January 14, 2019 (8:16 am)

    6:30: Left home
    6:40: Water taxi shuttle at Alki-57th
    6:50: Water taxi sailed
    7:15: Arrived at work near Seattle Center via the free waterfront shuttle. https://downtownseattle.org/parking/#!/shuttle

  • AIDM January 14, 2019 (8:19 am)

    Happy Via-Done everyone! Please remember to keep the “common good” in mind with your comments:1) If you ignored everything and drove into work, please report your commute time as 2x what it actually was so that the roads won’t blow up with single occupancy commuters tomorrow.2) If you ride public transportation, then please report commute times at .5x to encourage more carpooling and public transportation as the week progresses.3) If WSB shows up to take photos of your Water Taxi line then appear happy and smiling while trying to convey a “party” mentality.Thank you for your cooperation ;-)

  • KJS January 14, 2019 (8:20 am)

    I took the 21 from 35th & Hudson, through SODO, and made it to 3rd & Seneca by 8:15. That’s about a 33 minute bus ride, which is maybe 10 minutes less than usual. Hoping the commute home is just as uneventful!

  • Jamie January 14, 2019 (8:23 am)

    The Ride2 app was not showing updated time info when I requested a ride around 7:30am to the water taxi. The pickup ETA showed a time in the past and never updated in real time (like it did last week). I called the Ride2 number and they confirmed this is an issue. Also, they said their drivers are slammed with ride requests. The app then showed our trip had already happened even though no one had picked us up. We gave up after 20 min but couldn’t cancel the request in the app. I had to call Metro again and they canceled it on their end. Hope the Ride2 kinks get fixed soon. We walked to the Junction and got on a nearly empty C, and traffic is very light!

    • Kathleen January 14, 2019 (9:26 am)

      I had a similar experience. Requested my Ride2 at 7:55. The app reported the time I requested the ride as my pick-up time, never provided any info about progress toward me, and then moved my ride to “past rides” as I stood there freezing, waiting. I called 855-233-1880 at 8:25. Very nice Metro employee told me my ride was still on its way. High volume. So, I waited another 20 minutes. Gave up. I did call back and ask them to cancel my ride. The person I spoke with said the app is indeed supposed to tell you the driver’s progress toward pick up and should not show a ride as past if it didn’t happen. He also said they were dealing with a glitch where most of the WS requests were being funneled to one driver. I feel sorry for that person. I am now on a not even half full C Line and the bridge is clear, but I’m missing a meeting I was supposed to be at on the waterfront. Sounds like if I could just have gotten to the dock in time, the water taxi would have been a breeze. I think I’ll try the shuttle tomorrow. I’m not giving up on Ride2 altogether, but sadly will have to opt out on a week when I needed it more than I will in the future (meetings on the waterfront all this week). I will be looking for updates here. It’s a great idea. Hopefully they’ll get the bugs worked out quickly.

  • west sea neighbor January 14, 2019 (8:25 am)

    Bike commute was slick this morning around Alki. Temps around freezing and glossy road surface–difficult to tell if it is ice or just water. Almost bit it on Jacobsen descent as rear wheel slid out. Took rest of hill very slowly. Be safe out there.

  • WSG January 14, 2019 (8:33 am)

    Any word on the Ride2Transit app? It does not seem to be working. The app shows a scheduled pick up but the pick up never occurs. 

  • YY in Westwood January 14, 2019 (8:41 am)

    Wow! On a very empty 21 express. Avalon and the bridge were also empty.  Now coasting through Sodo. I had to double check my calendar and make sure it’s Monday morning and that I’m in Seattle. Also it just stopped at the light rail station! 

  • Salty January 14, 2019 (8:41 am)

    I think the real surprise this AM is that frost occurs in January when the temperature drops into the 30’s. I’ve lived places where they salt the road so citizens don’t get in accidents due to slick surfaces. Is that what occurred on Harbor Ave this morning? 

    • Slipslidingaway January 14, 2019 (8:59 am)

      They don’t know how to do that. Last time they tried to de-ice the West Seattle bridge and made it more slippery than it was, so many accidents. Plus they are focused on viadoom. 

    • newnative January 14, 2019 (9:04 am)

      I didn’t think the temperatures dropped that low overnight (according to my weather app) so I was also surprised at the slick roads/sidewalks. I walked like a cat much of the way downhill. (Ferry Ave)

  • just wondering January 14, 2019 (8:43 am)

    If the day is not easy commuting there are worse things happening in the country.

    People here have a job to go to, a car, water taxi, bus or bike to get there, and the sun is out!

    Don’t mean to sound like Pollyanna playing the “glad game” but I guess I just did :)

  • Tater January 14, 2019 (8:51 am)

    I was on delrige near the home depot around 7:40. One bus was full and didn’t stop. I was one of the last to get on the bus that came at 8. I think there were 10 – 20 people at each stop along delridge that we passed.  I feel bad for those who stood there in the cold for 40 minutes just to watch us go by. The 120 did get me to 3rd and union 13 minutes faster than average though. 

    • sam-c January 14, 2019 (10:03 am)

      Yikes! the 120 usually passes up riders closer to the West Seattle Bridge, not back as far as Home Depot.  I wonder if they will be able to add more buses to that route?  Otherwise, I envision people getting frustrated and driving instead.

  • IGA January 14, 2019 (8:53 am)

    Very icy out there, indeed. Was hoping that the city would take this opportunity to clean up the paths and improve signage, but no such luck. 

  • Anne January 14, 2019 (8:56 am)

    Oh my goodness – folks yelling about helicopters- take a chill pill! This was/is/will continue to be ( for awhile anyway) a big story. News stations have been saying they will be covering traffic  conditions &am sure those having to be out in traffic are grateful for all the information they can get. Please have a bit more tolerance while we go through this transition. 

    • cjboffoli January 14, 2019 (10:42 am)

      Some of us prefer to stick with news sources that don’t feel the need to wake everyone up with flying machinery.

      • Anne January 14, 2019 (12:13 pm)

        And some of us appreciate a real time view of traffic- it’s not forever- still chill.

  • Pleasantly surprised January 14, 2019 (8:57 am)

    Got on the c line at 815, same as usual, and the bus was empty. The road was empty too. If not for the stop lights on 4th, we would have beaten normal commute time. : )  

  • MrsL January 14, 2019 (9:16 am)

    Drove to work after dropping off the kiddo at Boren STEM around 8:40 . Delridge was very light as was the lower bridge.  Trucks were backed northbound on the overpass over the train tracks at Spokane and E Marginal, though. It didn’t impact my commute as I head south on E Marginal Way.

  • P January 14, 2019 (9:19 am)

    Caught a 21X around 8:00. Almost no traffic  at all on 35th, Avalon, or the bridge. It was noticeable faster than usual. It looks like a lot of people left early, so that probably will not be a trend.

  • Norskgirl January 14, 2019 (9:21 am)

    I wonder how Mayor Durkin commuted to work from West Seattle?    Anyone know?

    • WSB January 14, 2019 (9:24 am)

      Mayor Durkan lives in some other neighborhood of the city (unless she’s moved lately and kept it quiet). Last mayor who resided in West Seattle was Greg Nickels.

  • KR January 14, 2019 (9:24 am)

    Biked in today, it was indeed slick and ended up getting road rash from the ice. I had stopped riding in the winter for that very reason. Be careful out there.

  • MA January 14, 2019 (9:36 am)

    Anybody riding the San Juan Clipper boat this morning notice how the bike accommodations are?

    • M January 14, 2019 (1:41 pm)

      I was on the 7:25 am sailing. They had a rack for maybe 6-8 bikes inside the main area as you get in the door. The boat was seemed full, but there was definitely space for more bikes on the rack. May have been more bike storage elsewhere on the boat, but that’s what I saw.

  • HBB January 14, 2019 (9:47 am)

    My usual Water Taxi commute was not much different than normal. The only real difference was Dow Constantine standing in everyone’s way at the top of the ramp to the dock, and lots of photographers milling around. 

    • WSB January 14, 2019 (9:51 am)

      Sorry! One of those photographers was likely ours.

  • Finnie McLovin January 14, 2019 (10:08 am)

    We’re by the WS water taxi dock and have a great view of all the revised parking along Harbor Ave.  I would encourage folks to be efficient about their parking so a space isn’t wasted. Park as close to the signs at each end of the parking zones as possible, and don’t leave extra large gaps between cars.  There are several spots where another car could fit if the earlier parker was a bit more precise.

  • waikikigirl January 14, 2019 (11:19 am)

    Oh how I long for the days of “still sleeping” at 7/8am…. this 4 am crud is for the birds.

  • HappyTrails January 14, 2019 (11:24 am)

    Any folks  going to commute over the lower W.S. bridge by bicycle from W.S. to Ballard and along  the waterfront and Myrtle Edwards Park departing W.S. during the pre-dawn hours (4:30am-ish) ?  Wondering how the ride on that route is at that hour as far as safety is concerned.  I bike that route 4x week, year-round during rush hour but not that early.  Thanks for any feedback!

    • Loretta January 14, 2019 (11:38 am)

      HI, I ride that route that early most morning to get to rowing practice at 530am. It’s fine.. only thing to note is the rabbits crossing your path on the dark trails!

      • west sea neighbor January 14, 2019 (12:03 pm)

        I second Loretta. I do a fair bit of riding in the 4:30-5:30 am window. It is generally quiet, but watch out for the rabbits! They dart right up to your wheel and turn around and dart back! Also, the trail was frosted over this morning, so be cautious.

  • Susan January 14, 2019 (11:36 am)

    Maybe now would be a good time for City Light to fix the lights on the upper bridge since no one is in that lane? It is really dark out there and lights would possibly help with safety…

  • j January 14, 2019 (11:39 am)

    I’m sure the de-ice chemicals and salt adds to the health of Puget Sound and is almost like giving the Orcas vitamins…right?Wonder what would happen if de-ice chemicals and road salt were added to a salt water fish tank?? I imagine the fish would thrive huh?

  • sm January 14, 2019 (12:14 pm)

    Does anyone know if they monitor bridge traffic volumes?  Just curious what the car reduction was – if any – or if people just left earlier and spread out the same number of cars.  That might give us an indication of whether this will last or if it was a fluke because a disproportionate amount of people just took the day off to watch and see.  Afternoon commute might be more telling.

  • Darryll Wolf January 14, 2019 (12:36 pm)

    Left my home in South Delridge at about 8:30AM and arrived by bike at my office at 8:57AM. Smooth sailing the whole way. So far so good. Let’s hope tomorrow is the same. :)

  • Darryll Wolf January 14, 2019 (12:38 pm)

    Left my home in South Delridge at 8:30 AM and arrived by bike at my office downtown at 8:57 AM. Smooth sailing the whoel way. Let’s hope tomorrow is the same!

  • Gina January 14, 2019 (1:23 pm)

    Federal shutdown = fewer Federal workers commuting at this time. When they return  there will be more people on the road.

  • AB January 14, 2019 (1:32 pm)

    For folks cycling in the icy mornings, consider deflating your tires a bit. Be safe out there. 

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