TRAFFIC ALERT: Trouble for the back-to-West Seattle commute too

5:43 PM: As sluggish as this morning’s outbound commute was – we got to experience it firsthand – inbound tonight isn’t any better. A crash is blocking the 1st Avenue S. onramp to the westbound West Seattle Bridge, for one. Thanks for the tips!

5:48 PM: Just after we published that, the incident was cleared. Of course the residual backup will take a while to clear.

6:15 PM: On the south end, SDOT reports “a blocking vehicle at Olson Pl SW & Myers Way S.”

14 Replies to "TRAFFIC ALERT: Trouble for the back-to-West Seattle commute too"

  • WSeattleite November 19, 2019 (5:47 pm)

    Was just wondering if there’d be an afternoon post today. I’m 45 minutes into my ride home to West Seattle on one of several C line buses affected by the issue. SPD and fire department finally cleared out of the way so onramp open again. Once again it will take well more than an hour to travel the 8 miles home from Downtown

    • WSB November 19, 2019 (6:20 pm)

      FWIW it was also slow going in the 4 pm hour on the south inbound route (4th Avenue to the 1st S. Bridge) – I spent much of the day checking on the Kasparova/Linares murder trial downtown (story to come) so was traveling back about then. Never did figure out why it was molasses getting to that bridge.

  • Kyle November 19, 2019 (5:48 pm)

    Please tell me they’re not rerouting all the buses to the low bridge. Clearly they should use I-5 or  99 as well. The low bridge is one lane and has lights.

  • Meyer November 19, 2019 (5:53 pm)

    Been stuck in Sodo for awhile on the C line waiting to get on 1st ave so I can get on the on ramp for the bridge. Been about a half hour since leaving downtown

  • MrsL November 19, 2019 (6:07 pm)

    There was also a concrete truck stopped in northbound E Marginal just north of the 1st Ave S bridge that made it slow in both directions. Definitely a Traffic Tuesday.

  • Sheryl Duncan November 19, 2019 (6:36 pm)

    I was coming over from 4th ave to get to the WS Bridge my son texted me to take the lower bridge as the ramp was blocked with a crash.  

  • Just curious... November 19, 2019 (8:01 pm)

    …are people contacting our “progressive” newly re-elected city council member with these traffic issues? She was more than willing to post a public letter asking for answers during her campaign, but there certainly don’t seem to be any measurable results. Is she actually concerned about her district’s constituents, or was that only when campaigning? 

    • KM November 19, 2019 (10:18 pm)

      Yes, I called Lisa and asked her if she could personally cure all the ills car culture has in our lives, immediately, without any one of us having to make any personal changes, but she was in a budget committee meeting.

      • tsurly November 20, 2019 (7:28 am)

        Funny, I did the same thing, but also added how thankful I was for the infrastructure that allows my bike commute to be fast and consistent each day.

        • StopCarShaming November 21, 2019 (12:19 am)

          As someone with a disabled family member who makes it impossible to commute by any means other than motor vehicle, I am beyond triggered by your constant references to bicycle commuting.  Please consider your ableist and oppressive language and educate yourself about the issues that disabled folx face every day.

          • Tsurly November 21, 2019 (6:06 am)

            You should really try some due diligence before opening your mouth. If you look at my comment history, I specifically direct my comments at able-bodied people who have the physical, financial, and employment flexibility to try something other than drive a car. That would make driving less heinous for folks like your family member. Please educate yourself before commenting.  

          • AJP November 21, 2019 (8:48 pm)

            There isn’t a single bicyclist out there who looks at people who are physically incapable of biking and judges them for not being able to do so. More cyclists on the road means fewer cars in front of your car, pure and simple. The last time I rode over the low bridge the bike counter said 519 cyclists had crossed that day. Would you like 519 more cars on the road with you on your way to work?

    • Jort November 20, 2019 (9:13 am)

      If you are hoping that our city council, or any city council, for that matter, will be able to “solve” congestion issues, then you are in for a big, big letdown because no city in human history has ever “solved” traffic congestion. It. Is. Not. Possible. Seattle will not be the first city to figure this out, somehow.

  • Needed2bSaid November 21, 2019 (6:57 am)

    @ stopcarshaming… Thank you! I get around by both car & bike and find the arrogance of some bicyclists obnoxious as heck. 

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