TRAFFIC/TRANSIT: Monday watch, second week of West Seattle Bridge closure, plus bus and ferry reductions

5:40 AM: Today marks one week since the sudden shutdown of the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. (The City Council gets a briefing at 9:30 am today.)

And remember – the new Highland Park Way/Holden signal is now in operation!

Meantime, though we have yet to see enforcement, the low bridge is off-limits unless you’re transit, freight, emergency response, or working on Harbor Island. As of Sunday night, only a very small sign pointed this out at the eastbound entrance.

The main alternative across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5.

Or, the South Park Bridge (map).

Metro routes are affected, too – check yours here (and remember the new Reduced Schedule also applies, plus Sound Transit is reducing the 560 schedule). Also on a reduced schedule now: Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route. Taking the Water Taxi? Here’s the schedule (the WT, like Metro, is currently free).

Let us know what you’re seeing on your alternate commute – comment, or text (not while at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.

AlexC March 30, 2020 (7:49 am)

The bridge was drawn this morning when my bus rolled up around 7:30. We were near the front of the line but I imagine there were a lot of people waiting behind us these last 15 minutes. I am glad they have this time when it’s slower to figure out scheduling. This would be terrible during a normal rush hour.

Railroaded March 30, 2020 (8:23 am)

It is troubling that some folks never seem to understand how navigable waterways work. The local authorities, SDOT, WSDOT, have pretty much zero input in keeping the roadways above them open when a vessel wants to pass. Good or bad, it is the law of the land.

Azimuth March 30, 2020 (9:47 am)

Cute sign

Mnn March 30, 2020 (11:25 am)

There are still a lot of private vehicles using the lower bridge during rush hour. I saw about 10 today on my way to work. Will there be any enforcement or bigger/better signage?

WSB March 30, 2020 (11:39 am)

The enforcement question was addressed in today’s briefing (see separate story).
In a word, they’re hoping people will respect the restrictions, knowing the importance of emergency vehicles being able to get in and out at a moment’s notice. If not, something might be required.

Coles Mom March 30, 2020 (2:00 pm)

I was heading out of WS last Friday, knowing that the lower bridge was restricted to use only for specific vehicles/persons I planned to take W. Marginal Way SW route. When I got to the intersection by Chelan Cafe I saw random cars going over the lower bridge, no enforcement, & I didn’t see the sign noted above – its not that visible. So I took the lower bridge thinking that it must be open to all vehicles. Thank you WS Blog for your coverage on this .. I think its important for other viewers to read this, it will reduce confusion & help everyone to abide by the enforcement. I would also encourage SDOT/WSDOT to make a much bigger & more visible sign!

CAM March 30, 2020 (4:04 pm)

Isn’t that kind of like saying that you know there is a law written down somewhere telling you you’re not allowed to commit theft but when you were in the store there was no sign there telling you that you couldn’t do it, so you did it?
- S March 30, 2020 (9:10 pm)
  
  No, you should read her comment more carefully

Charlie March 30, 2020 (5:19 pm)

Rather than focusing on the lower bridge – how bout we demand SDOT provide more insight into when the upper bridge will be open!? I find it astounding the discussion is not more pointed toward this topic…but typical Seattle people. Let SDOT close your bridge and then focus on some silly side issue. And yes, for anyone who might be a teacher at a school NOT in West Seattle, if the upper bridge does not open when school starts, it will be almost impossible to keep your job. Meantime, keep it up West Seattle Blog !

Kim March 30, 2020 (10:15 pm)

Trying to get out of WSea today @2:30: awful! Yes, I saw all sorts of passenger cars taking the lower bridge, but not I! Instead, I took Marginal to whatever the turn is to get into the 99 N.—only to find the 1st Ave. bridge rising, and that familiar traffic back-up. Can’t even imagine what this would be like in normal times. An hour to Bellevue!

Sorry, comment time is over.