WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: New signage, and other notes

Exactly two weeks after the West Seattle Bridge’s safety shutdown began, two related notes so far today:

(WSB photo, today)

SIGNAGE/BUS LANE: Thanks to commenter Joe Z for the tip. SDOT crews are out right now at the Spokane/Chelan/Delridge/West Marginal intersecion, installing signage and red lane markings to make it clearer that the low bridge is primarily for buses (“trucks OK,” the signs note, and of course emergency-response vehicles too). If you’re headed that way, by the way, work crews have lanes blocked off for the work, so the backup was significant when we went through (compounded by the low bridge opening for maritime traffic).

AT THE COUNCIL MEETING: We listened in this morning to the first of the day’s two regular City Council meetings – the “briefing meeting” on Monday mornings is where each councilmember provides miscellaneous updates. Councilmember Lisa Herbold noted that SDOT had been back at Highland Park Way/Holden on Saturday installing the pedestrian signal at the newly signalized intersection – we had noticed work going on there:

(WSB photo, today)

And Counclmember Alex Pedersen, who chairs the Transportation Committee, said he expects SDOT to be back before the council with another briefing around “month’s end” since that’s when they expect the bridge assessment to be done, enabling a repair plan. (He didn’t mention a date, but the last council meeting of the month would be April 27th, three weeks from today.

P.S. Just discovered that a bridge update is also on the agenda for tomorrow night’s Move Seattle Levy Oversight Committee meeting.

13 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: New signage, and other notes"

  • Pilsner April 6, 2020 (1:09 pm)

    I wonder how often the lower is opening these days?

  • Stuck April 6, 2020 (1:30 pm)

    So, no access to my shop on harbor island? Or do I just write bus on my car?

    • WSB April 6, 2020 (1:49 pm)

      Couldn’t read the fine print on the signage. Anyway, SDOT has said all along, Harbor Island access (even the dinky sign in place now says Harbor Island access)

  • Dean Anderson April 6, 2020 (3:47 pm)

    Walking on the lower bridge today a little after 3 PM and saw several motorcycle officers enforcing the restriction of passenger vehicles.

    • Dean Anderson April 6, 2020 (3:49 pm)

    • WSB April 6, 2020 (3:54 pm)

      Thanks for the pics. Someone texted that and I’ve been trying to catch sight on the traffic cams until we can get back over there.

    • Jort April 6, 2020 (4:03 pm)

      During a time of such painful and difficult news in our society, it truly warms my heart to see these photos. Thank you for posting them, I look forward to additional city revenue from people who think it’s OK if they break the law, because they’re so special. Have fun with the insurance points and stop driving on the bridge.

      • Joan April 6, 2020 (4:18 pm)

        I noticed when I was stopped at the light yesterday several cars with children in them getting on the low bridge: I’m sure they were taking their kids with them to work on Harbor Island, right???Bring on the enforcement !!!

      • Patience April 6, 2020 (6:55 pm)

        Some people have to get to their essential jobs in the medical field. You’re right…this is a hard time for everyone. Too bad this is making it harder on the people who still have to drive to work.

  • Mj April 6, 2020 (4:06 pm)

    It’s bridge use warning today!

  • Millie April 6, 2020 (11:29 pm)

    Can’t help but think continued  maintenance and  knowledge gleamed (i.e. weight-bearing capabilities) from construction documents might have prevented the difficulties West Seattle residents are once again facing in  getting to their jobs, medical appointments, other activities in Downtown Seattle.  Oh well!

  • max34 April 7, 2020 (10:06 am)

    what about coming from I-5 south and the west on the bridge.  The cones shuttle you down to the lower bridge area and then toward the junction/alki depending on your route.  Is that still ok?  

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