TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Viaduct’s last Thursday

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:58 AM: Good morning. Second-to-last day for the Alaskan Way Viaduct, which closes forever at 10 pm tomorrow (Friday). Just checked around – no incidents currently reported in/from West Seattle.

Jason January 10, 2019 (7:29 am)

Who controls he train schedule near first ave? And will they be prevented from stopping traffic during rush hours the next few weeks? (Train has stopped traffic moving east west for last 15-20 min)

HighPointToSeattleCenter January 10, 2019 (8:30 am)

I’ve been wondering this also. The same can happen on Broad by the sculpture park.
- KBear January 10, 2019 (9:30 am)
  
  Rail traffic has the right of way under federal law. There’s not much the local authorities can do about it.
  - rpo January 10, 2019 (9:44 am)
    
    There is a fine imposed on rail operators for blocking a crossing for more than 20 minutes though. They must incur those constantly in SODO.
    - WSB January 10, 2019 (9:52 am)
      
      We’ll ask about rail at the briefing we’re heading to now. It’s about the only mode I don’t think has been mentioned yet.

Molly January 10, 2019 (8:42 am)

My husband said he saw a specialized booty at the start of the lower bridge- did anyone stop by and see what it was about?

Tsurly January 10, 2019 (9:26 am)

I believe it’s the bike mechanic that used to setup there on Thursday mornings. Apparently he will be setup their offering his services to cyclists during the closure.
- WSB January 10, 2019 (11:52 am)
  
  According to Times transportation reporter Mike Lindblom, frequent bike commuter, who we just saw at the downtown Viadoom briefing, Westside Bicycles had somebody out this morning.

Mike January 10, 2019 (9:26 am)

Railroads are outside the control of City, County and State. The City can ask them to help, but they have no reason or incentive to cooperate.

Mike January 10, 2019 (9:29 am)

Glad to see the traffic cop citing bus lane violators this morning. Mid-morning yesterday there were quite a few violators that whizzed by the congestion. This is not only irritating to proper drivers but it’s very dangerous.

Trickycoolj January 10, 2019 (9:56 am)

Boat traffic is outside of the state/city control for bridge openings yet they were able to strike a deal for peak hours. I would have expected the same for rail and commented as such a week or two ago surprised no one has been asking until today.

WSB January 10, 2019 (11:54 am)

Regarding railroads, I asked SDOT’s Heather Marx after the downtown briefing. The city has talked with BNSF. No promises but the railroad will “do what they can” to focus their train-building in the offhours (“middle of the night”). – TR

Sorry, comment time is over.