TRAFFIC/TRANSIT: Thursday watch, 5th week of West Seattle Bridge closure

5:44 AM: 31st morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. Tonight, the West Seattle Transportation Coalition discusses the closure with SDOT and Metro.

For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, exiting at Michigan.

The other option is the South Park Bridge (map), which drops you onto East Marginal Way one mile south of the north end of the 1st Ave. South Bridge.

Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.

ROAD WORK ALERTS: Striping/marker work continues in the 35th/Avalon/Alaska project zone. … SDOT has released details of the weekend work planned at the 5-way intersection (Chelan/Spokane/Delridge/West Marginal) and on the north end of Delridge Way.

TRANSIT ALERTS:

Metro’s third round of service cuts has a further-reduced schedule in effect – details here. The Water Taxi continues its reduced (and shuttle-less) schedule.

OTHER LINKS

SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page

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

anonyme April 23, 2020 (9:59 am)

The 21X is running again through Arbor Heights. No announcement from Metro. I guess if you expect communication from Metro you must consult the psychic hotline.

WSB April 23, 2020 (10:19 am)

I asked Metro about that yesterday and am awaiting the answer.

stucktakingthelongwayaround April 23, 2020 (10:45 am)

If anyone is looking for an entertaining diversion, check out the live view from the traffic cam at the west end of the low bridge(Chelan Ave SW & W Marginal Way) from this link:https://web6.seattle.gov/travelers/SPD has what looks like 4-5 officers stationed there, ticketing drivers trying to cross. They’re waving them over to the curb in a line, then going window-to-window handing out tickets. They’re getting at least one per minute!It’s sad that SPD resources have to be used this way, but it’s incredibly gratifying to see all of these cheaters getting their due while the rest of us follow the rules.

Matt April 23, 2020 (12:09 pm)

If only there was a way to raise ticket prices in order to fund the bridge and let the people who don’t want to follow the rules pay for the majority of the bridge.
- Alex April 23, 2020 (2:50 pm)
  
  I don’t mind people who speed a little or are imperfect drivers, but if you try to cheat other people on the road (eg ignoring the bridge closure, ferry line cutters, bus lane violators), as far as I’m concerned you should be punished with devastating effect. No fine could be too much. $10,000, maybe? $50,000? I have no objection to bankrupting people over these horrendous violations of the social contract.
  - Jon Wright April 23, 2020 (4:36 pm)
    
    Impound the vehicle.
  - m April 23, 2020 (11:10 pm)
    
    I’d much rather see significant penalty increases for crimes involving stolen property.
  - R. April 24, 2020 (4:28 am)
    
    Tyrant! The objective is to correct behavior not destroy someone’s life because they acted immoral. Why not just throw them in the Electric chair?

Craig April 23, 2020 (10:54 am)

I wonder if they city could put in a Sounder train expanding the Jack Block Terminal 5 parking lot area to a park and ride, then depositing WS commuters downtown via the Klickitat tracks then north at the normal Sounder stops. I don’t know if they tracks are capable, but there’s a (draw) bridge, tracks, and parking there already.

Chemo Patient April 23, 2020 (12:03 pm)

It was my understanding that those with medical appointments could use the lower bridge. FYI for anyone who tries, nope, not allowed. I got a formal, written warning for asking. Seems very wrong to be punished for asking, but ok Seattle.

Burien Commuter April 23, 2020 (1:43 pm)

Dear West Seattle Neighbors, welcome to the horror that is the rush hour commute via the 1st Ave Bridge. Pre-Covid19 you could plan on 40 minutes from the Coverdale overpass to the downtown exit. Longer if there is an accident on SR99 or I-5 between Southcenter and downtown (people diverting via SR599 off of I-5). West Marginal Way is a rutted, potholed, train track crossed mess that is best traversed in an all-wheel drive. And when it rains, the outside lanes flood to about the middle of the lane. Bring your patience. Oh, and the bridge almost always gets raised for barge traffic right around 9:30 am….
Matt P April 23, 2020 (2:23 pm)

Why would appointments be an exception? Everyone would just say they have one. The one exception noted last night was pregnant women going into labor.

Hirdnes April 23, 2020 (7:24 pm)

Took a drive today and checked out the bridge scene. I work from home fortunately but hoo boy do I feel bad for those that are going to commute, going to be a cluster #uck

Plf April 23, 2020 (8:02 pm)

On another note, any citing of Admiral Turkey, I could use something joyful. With all the virus and bridge issue hope she doesn’t fly the coup

WSB April 23, 2020 (8:07 pm)

Sorry to say she was last heard from in Renton/Tukwila! I don’t know if she’ll be back this time.
- rpo April 23, 2020 (8:59 pm)
  
  Uh oh. That sounds negative. Something happen to her?
  - WSB April 24, 2020 (11:42 am)
    
    No, just seems a little distant to make it back here!