Another West Seattle bridge suddenly closed: SW Andover overpass

The photo is from Darin, one of several readers who noticed that “BRIDGE CLOSED” signage had appeared Tuesday at the entrances to the SW Andover pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the west end of the West Seattle Bridge [map]. The foot bridge has long been scheduled for an earthquake-safety project, but that’s not why it’s closed, SDOT just told us in response to our inquiry:

The Andover pedestrian bridge was closed to address trespassing onto the high bridge from the pedestrian bridge. We also added signs in the area and hired peace officers to monitor the pedestrian bridge on weekends to help reduce trespassing. This issue was raised to us by nearby residents and the Seattle Police Department. Trespassing onto the high bridge is a safety issue as there should not be any community members on the bridge until we know it is safe for travel.

We plan to reopen the pedestrian bridge after the seismic retrofit is complete, in late fall or early winter. However, we will continue monitor the area for trespassing.

Construction of the seismic retrofit is likely to start next month, according to SDOT; more info on the project is here. We asked SDOT for specifics on what kind of problems the trespassing has caused (perhaps the graffiti vandalism that’s been visible on the bridge’s sides?); the reply: “Noise activities were taking place on the ped-bridge after hours and especially on the weekends,” as well as a reiteration that it’s just not safe to be on The Bridge.

SIDE NOTE: Last time the foot bridge made news was related to one of the other signs in the top photo. Years ago, it was popular for hanging banners such as birthday wishes, to be seen by drivers passing beneath it. In 2007, a crackdown began (extensively discussed here).

WS Bike Rider August 11, 2021 (11:13 am)

This is such BS. If there is a problem with noise or vandalism they should address it directly, not just close off the foot bridge for everyone else who wants a convenient way to walk or bike down to Fauntleroy. It is also ridiculous that they said they closed it off to keep people from getting onto the main bridge. How? By jumping off the top? It just doesn’t make any sense. I am just going to ignore these signs and continue to use it until someone stops me. I am getting very sick of West Seattle.

Jay August 11, 2021 (11:43 am)

I’ve seen people climb over the railing and walk onto the West Seattle Bridge, and they don’t jump off the bridge they go around the railing of the ramp leading to the bridge. This is still total BS. Closing it changes nothing. I’m moving to North Delridge and this bridge
keeps California Ave businesses very walkable. I’m so disappointed in
this decision. It only impacts legitimate users, sketchy folks who hang
out on the bridge aren’t going to care at all and there are so many more
entry points. THEY’RE ACTUALLY HIRING OFFICERS TO ENFORCE THE CLOSURE
AND THAT’S INSANE! Why not have the officers just enforce the closure of
the West Seattle Bridge? And where is that money coming from? The seemingly
unlimited “harass legitimate public space users” fund that they use to patrol Alki
with on quiet nights? This is such a catastrophically bad decision I’m losing my mind
over it.
- Unhappy.206 August 11, 2021 (2:32 pm)
  
  Sounds like a different budget, this will probably come from the bridge money.
- Pat August 11, 2021 (4:54 pm)
  
  No ! There is no “bridge money”. There is only money collected from tax paying citizens. I thought Seattle residents considered themselves “better” educated.
olivist August 11, 2021 (12:45 pm)

Now that I can’t jump off the Avalon pedestrian bridge to access the WS high bridge via the fauntleroy express lanes how am I going to sneak onto the high bridge? Oh wait, luckily I can detour less than 100 yards in any direction and access the express lanes by hopping over the express way jersey barriers or just walk to where it intersects with Avalon way. Phew. I thought for a second there this was really going to prevent me from illegally accessing the high bridge.

Lisa August 11, 2021 (11:30 am)

I’m with WS Biker Rider. This is total BS and I’m also going to continue to use it. In addition,

I suggest anyone feeling the same way message SDOT expressing your displeasure.

I just can’t get over how utterly ludicrous it is to close this route, punishing those of us who bike, walk and run this route.

Al King August 11, 2021 (11:31 am)

Right on bike rider! Great to hear from someone that is above the law and does whatever they feel like.

bill August 11, 2021 (9:38 pm)

Why not follow the example most drivers set?

airwolf August 11, 2021 (12:11 pm)

Yes this sign will stop any trespasser

Al the Pal August 11, 2021 (1:09 pm)

Okay just for a moment, I want to point out that your post made me physically chuckle.

ccarp1234 August 11, 2021 (12:12 pm)

Absolute crap!! I live on Avalon and Andover and use that bridge to exercise walking up the hills up to California. I’ll also be ignoring the signage until I’m stopped. As well as emailing Lisa Herbold and SDOT and calling any other number I can find.I’m getting absolutely tired of all the concessions WS Seattle residents are making just trying to enjoy living here.

J August 11, 2021 (12:41 pm)

I feel the same way about this … I use this bridge to get to and from downtown on my bike. But don’t expect Lisa Herbold to do anything. She is as worthless as the rest of the council.

Delridger August 11, 2021 (12:13 pm)

This is absolutely nuts! There are no other nearby routes that allow a pedestrian or cyclist to get across the WS bridge approach ramp. Just look at a map!: https://goo.gl/maps/jp2Ek1tKz9jL7FZn8. And the ramp doesn’t allow access to the bridge – it goes over the bridge access road! How can they just close a piece of infrastructure like this on such obviously false grounds without any community consultation? Who can we contact to protest this decision?

Karen August 11, 2021 (12:37 pm)

What….. Total agreement with others, address and stop WHOEVER is on the main Bridge, they’re breaking the law!!!! STOP continuously making everything to do with our disrupted commuting/transportation in WS so hard😈. Contact everyone responsible to get this addressed

Jansen August 11, 2021 (12:40 pm)

THIS IS INSANE!THIS IS THE ONLY WAY I CAN GET TO WORK ON THE BUS! I am getting so sick and tired of West Seattle being jacked with by the city. The entire Admiral/Gennesee hill neighbor hood uses this stop… I live on 35/Andover and use this regularly.

Mike Lindblom August 11, 2021 (12:42 pm)

What Delridger said. When bicycling downtown I choose that bridge because it’s safer than the chaotic Fauntleroy/Avalon/35th mess where cars can nose into the bike lane at any moment. For people walking, this bridge closure might adds more than a mile, if they’re going from the uphill side to the Avalon Way RapidRide stop.

SpokesPerson August 11, 2021 (12:59 pm)

And yet SDOT and SPD do literally nothing about the motorcyclists who use the low-bridge bike/ped lane as their personal road. I’ve been nearly hit 3 times by motorcyclists abusing that infrastructure going 30+mph.Seems like they’ve chosen to solve a problem that doesn’t exist because it’s the only type of problem they can solve.

Judy McCollum August 11, 2021 (1:11 pm)

What a cluster. There’s a tent encampment 500 feet NE of this pedestrian bridge in the wooded area, but this bridge is the problem? Commuters, runners, dog walkers & families use this bridge daily. The trespassers don’t jump off the bridge, they’ve crushed the fence down on the West side and access it from the street level. I can literally see them from my window. Cut back some of the dead trees and brush, add a few lights. Solve the actual problem. You’re welcome.

H20K9 August 11, 2021 (1:14 pm)

The photos of the lack of maintenance on the bridge deck has hit a sore spot with SDOT. SDOT just makes-up their own rules and mandates as they bumble along.

WSB August 11, 2021 (1:18 pm)

Side note, Jerry Simmons sent us a couple of those photos a few weeks back. We published one here (and he added the other in the story’s comment section)
https://westseattleblog.com/2021/07/bridge-meeting-followups-see-all-175-questions-comments-plus-where-the-mayor-actually-was/

StopCuttingDownTrees August 11, 2021 (1:14 pm)

I’ll continue to ride my fat-tire bike right around the signs. I’m VERY tired of city officials slowing speed limits to a 25 mph crawl and installing suspension-wrecking speed bumps instead of ticketing speeders, too. This “close it for safety” NONSENSE for streets and bridges that WE ALL OWN is ridiculous. If someone is goofing off on the damaged West Seattle Bridge, then arrest them!!! Don’t close off a major pedestrian thoroughfare bridge and use an “earthquake” upgrade excuse, unless those upgrades have already started.

WSB August 11, 2021 (1:14 pm)

Just so everybody knows, this was an SDOT decision, so if you want to tell them what you think of it (since there was no advance opportunity for comment), they’re at 206-684-ROAD (or email 684-Road@seattle.gov – TR

MrsT August 11, 2021 (2:24 pm)

It says right up there that the Seattle Police brought the issue to SDOT. SPD using the system to sow discontent is on brand.
- WSB August 11, 2021 (3:03 pm)
  
  Crime Prevention is actually one non-sworn employee (at the SW Precinct). Since the disbanding of the Community Police Team, she’s pretty much the last person who actually works with neighbors who surface complaints/concerns. Haven’t verified that she was involved but that’s what “Crime Prevention” would infer.

Smittytheclown August 11, 2021 (1:26 pm)

This is so funny. You all sound like people threatening to use the lower bridge during restricted hours. Waiting for Jort to start yelling his displeasure. Are we supposed to trust the decision makers only when it doesn’t inconvenience us?

Jansen August 11, 2021 (1:55 pm)

This one has no reasonable explanation. They can shut it down when they do the earthquake proofing (takes a day at most? Maybe two?) then that’s that. Why before then? Anyone can trespass West Seattle Freeway and most don’t use the bridge to do so.
- WSB August 11, 2021 (1:57 pm)
  
  The work they’re doing is not “a day at most.” The project page (linked in the story) says they expect to be working on the bridge for two to three months.
  - Jansen August 11, 2021 (2:09 pm)
    
    I am talking about total hours. People are flies to a bridge like this. When they are working on it, it makes sense, but why when they aren’t? And why close now ahead of it even having work done on it? You think they close the Admiral Way bridges too when those get worked on? They don’t do this on other seismic retrofits, WHY on earth for a pedestrian one? Makes zero sense.
JP August 11, 2021 (2:51 pm)

“during restricted hours”?It’s just plain closed, 24/7, according to the sign. “Restricted hours” are through the end of the retrofit.

Joel August 11, 2021 (1:29 pm)

Pathetic! Crazy that SDOT would go to the effort of closing this and hiring peace officers to patrol it when it seems they should just go after the tresspassers. Complete waste of effort and shows a lack of respect for responsible taxpayers.

S. WINSTON August 11, 2021 (1:44 pm)

I use that overpass to walk down to Longfellow Creek (and then up the Genesee stairs to Pigeon Point). This closure is a slap in the face to pedestrians and stairwalkers.

ccarp1234 August 11, 2021 (1:48 pm)

Please write Lisa Herbold Lisa.Herbold@seattle,gov. She represents us and lives here in WS. She can absolutely help. She intervened and helped me with a SDOT decision last year.

GP August 11, 2021 (2:03 pm)

SDOT will hire officers to patrol this insane “closing” yet do absolutely nothing about Alki when those nearby residents have complained endlessly?!! No wonder the high bridge is still closed. Not much intelligence within SDOT. When the bridge went out fingers were pointed at earlier administrations who learned about it back in 2014 but didn’t make that information public OR fix it. Sounds like in all those years not much has changed within SDOT.

Joe Z August 11, 2021 (2:08 pm)

Several of us who live near the bridge have been aware of the seismic retrofit for a while and have asked SDOT for an improved detour route. SDOT has denied our requests so we need help. Please copy and modify the following message and send to SWAndoverBridge@seattle.gov . Thanks!

In addition to a shorter detour, we would like to see a crosswalk added on the east side of 35th Ave/Fauntleroy.

—

I am West Seattle resident who frequently uses the Andover Pedestrian bridge. This is a bridge heavily used by pedestrians and bicyclists to travel over the WSB bridge, from Fauntleroy Way SW to Andover Way, on to Avalon Way. When the pedestrian bridge closes for a seismic retrofit, it will create a significant burden for pedestrians and bicyclists, forcing them to detour many blocks out of their way to 35th Ave, which does not have an accessible sidewalk on the east side.

I think that the shut-down of the West Seattle Bridge provides a unique opportunity to maintain pedestrian and bicycle access at the location of the pedestrian bridge while it is shut down, without the need for a long detour. Because there is no traffic on the bridge, a temporary path could be installed by opening up the fence on either side, allowing people to walk or bike directly from Fauntleroy Way SW over to Andover Way. The pathway could be a wide corridor, with fencing on either side to prevent unauthorized pedestrian access onto the closed bridge. Additionally, we would like to see a crosswalk added on the east side of 35th/Fauntleroy to improve pedestrian mobility.

Thanks for your consideration.

Nicholas Hodapp August 11, 2021 (2:59 pm)

Insane. I’m in disbelief. They’re hiring police to enforce this yet there’s a legalized-crime RV park 3 blocks away they just let exist?My son uses this bridge to get to school. There isn’t a convenient detour.

Jay August 13, 2021 (12:03 pm)

Yeah, I’ve tried to report that RV camp and they say it’s a homeless issue and not being enforced. But the issue isn’t homelessness! I wouldn’t care if homeless people were there, that’s not a problem. The problem is that this RV camp is the base of operations for a good chunk of burglaries in West Seattle and bikes stolen from the area have been recovered there. The fact that they have money for an officer to stop me from walking over a bridge because some people who aren’t me are trespassing on a different bridge while they don’t have resources to deal with open-air criminal activity blows my mind.

Mark Schletty August 11, 2021 (3:05 pm)

I find it amusing to see the uproar from bicycle users and pedestrians when SDOT closes off one of their “roadways” with no notice or citizen input, but they were perfectly good with it when SDOT did it to people who need to use cars at Alki’s Constellation Ave. That said, I completely agree with those protesting this foolishness.

EricL August 11, 2021 (5:14 pm)

Do you mean beach drive/alki Ave at constellation park? It’s never been closed to cars. Local access only and pedestrians are allowed to use the road too, but it’s been open for local access the whole time.
bill August 11, 2021 (9:50 pm)

There are lots of alternative routes to Beach Dr for car drivers, and plenty of alternative parks if you are dead set on driving to within five feet of one. There are precious few dedicated paths and trails for pedestrians and cyclists, so yeah, closing one down without providing a quality detour is a big deal.

West5 Girl August 11, 2021 (3:05 pm)

This is a pedestrian bridge for a reason. If there isn’t a safety issue, folks walking or biking to the bus should be able to continue using this route. I live next to the bridge and don’t see peace officer’s or the like walking the beat and rarely see tresspassers. What we do get is late night gatherings where kids like to hang out with their friends. Where are the peace officers to handle this kind of disturbance? Oh, I guess that gets to be me and I do it very loudly too.

Jort August 11, 2021 (3:13 pm)

Interesting that the city finds ways to “hire” police officers to patrol an area where people are, at worst, potentially hurting themselves but somehow we can’t find the time or money in our short-staffed-for-eternity police department to enforce laws that would prevent one of Seattle’s leading causes of death and serious injury: people who speed in automobiles and kill others. So, I guess, yahoos taking selfies on the closed bridge is a greater threat to public safety than the 24 people who were killed (actually killed) on Seattle’s roads last year? Maybe they should just put another useless “Vision Zero” sign on the bridge instead. Next time a Seattle Police spokesperson spins up their ever-so-familiar and timeless yarn about how nothing can ever be safe again until we add hundreds of thousands of new sworn officers (and even then we’ll still be too “short-staffed” somehow), maybe ask if they could pull a few people off of “stare at an empty bridge” duty.

Joel August 11, 2021 (3:53 pm)

I don’t know, it must be end times or something because for the second time in a few months I actually agree with Jort.
- The King August 11, 2021 (6:22 pm)
  
  Meh, it’s all grandstanding. “one of Seattle’s leading causes of death and serious injury”….not even top ten. More people die from the flu every year in Seattle than a car accident. When you rant and rave for so long you actually start to believe your own bs.
  - bill August 11, 2021 (9:54 pm)
    
    Let’s rephrase as, “preventable leading causes of death and serious injury.” And interestingly over the last year we’ve shown that serious illness and deaths from flu can be prevented.

Early Riser August 11, 2021 (3:41 pm)

I saw another example of the brilliant thinkers who run the SDOT this weekend. Go take a look at the new lane closures just west of the 1st Ave S on-ramp to the Spokane Street bridge. In their infinite wisdom, they have closed of far right lane as soon as traffic gets on to the bridge deck, forcing vehicles to the left. This is followed by the immediate closure of this now occupied left lane, forcing traffic back into the right lane they were just forced out of. I am pretty sure the backend of buses aren’t even all the way into the new lane before having to change lanes again.

Steve August 11, 2021 (3:45 pm)

OH THE HUMANITY!!! Wait a minute…. That’s right, I don’t care. I’m still gonna cross no matter what.

Delridger August 11, 2021 (4:30 pm)

Please do more than just comment on this blog!! Here are relevant email addresses to express your displeasure: 684-Road@seattle.gov, SWAndoverBridge@seattle.gov, walkandbike@seattle.gov, lisa.herbold@seattle.gov.

K August 11, 2021 (5:04 pm)

Looking forward to closure of our local roadways in response to law-breaking by drivers. Maybe we will finally get some peace on Holden.

redfolder August 11, 2021 (5:26 pm)

Maybe SDOT can create some user groups and install some cameras. Then people can get on a list for authorized users.

Mj August 11, 2021 (5:48 pm)

Is this April 1st?

It’s as bad as the Parks Department closing park benches in the Spring of 2020 that I believe quickly got reversed

West Seattle Taxpayer August 11, 2021 (6:09 pm)

Well stated by my neighbors above. Taking away community access to this bridge is completely unrelated to any trespassing issues on the high bridge. If police have a problem with trespassing they can address that directly. Nobody is jumping off a 20ft high bridge when the alternative is to climb a 6ft chain link fence. Like those above, I will be ignoring this unlawful violation of my right to access this bridge.

scubafrog August 11, 2021 (7:37 pm)

Gosh, SPD did make this non-issue a thing :)) They must have so much animus for WS, and all blue cities. Elected sellout Dems in DC have forgotten Floyd, and are pretending to have “always supported the police, apple pie and the murkan way!”. Mmmmhmmmmm. Appeasing right-leaning centrists won’t get you my vote, okayyy.

Reality Chick August 11, 2021 (7:45 pm)

Perhaps SDOT has created a Disconnect West Seattle program and staffed it accordingly? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oShTJ90fC34]

1994 August 12, 2021 (9:50 pm)

Spot on – Disconnect West Seattle is much more accurate than Reconnect West Seattle…

KT August 11, 2021 (8:11 pm)

Well if people walking on the bridge is going to cause its collapse that bridge is worse off than we we have been told!

Gina August 11, 2021 (10:10 pm)

This is my short cut to Admiral district to and from the first and last stops on the C Line in West Seattle. The alternative is that tiny road with no sidewalks behind Luna Park Cafe.Rusty chain link is no challenge for wire cutters.

Lagartija Nick August 11, 2021 (10:38 pm)

To all the inconvenienced local folks complaining here who use this bridge, you do understand that it is your kids trespassing on the high bridge at night that have caused this closure, right? Right? So, maybe you should “thank” your kids for this inconvenience instead of SDOT.

Joel August 12, 2021 (3:40 am)

Oh yeah, we should just be closing this city down because of your neighbor’s kids! How about we just hold the person’s trespassing accountable (kids or not) instead of defending the ‘shut it all down’ policy of the SDOT.

Lame decision August 11, 2021 (11:24 pm)

This city is absolutely stupid. So now what? Trespassers have to walk around a sign? Cuz that’s stopped people zero times before huh? Maybe a new fence is in the works. If it is I predict lots of fence repair work to will follow when they start cutting holes to get onto the bridge. Well, I may cut a couple just to allow myself the ability to still get thru there on foot. No different than the trespassers but my intention is better so according to city council that makes it ok don’t it?

cheeseWS777 August 12, 2021 (6:14 am)

Hiring peace officers?Why not just make it “photo enforced’ seattle is just getting to big for its bridges…Whatever the solution is, im sure it will take over a year to discuss and figure it out

anonyme August 12, 2021 (6:24 am)

Typical SDOT knee-jerk idiocy. Got people breaking the law – punish everyone else!! It’s like when they removed some bus shelters because druggies were using them. Punish law-abiding citizens going to work, seniors, others, but nevernevernever touch actual wrongdoers. This is the most upside-down and backwards city I’ve ever seen.

LT August 12, 2021 (8:48 am)

This is bulls–t. Who do we contact to get this undone?

Delridger August 12, 2021 (10:02 am)

Start with 684-Road@seattle.gov, SWAndoverBridge@seattle.gov, walkandbike@seattle.gov, lisa.herbold@seattle.gov.There are, as of now, 55 angry comments on this story. I hope they receive at least that many emails. Angry comments on a blog might be cathartic, but don’t lead to action. Contacting SDOT and your city councilmember might not lead to action either, but you stand a whole lot better chance.
- LT August 12, 2021 (10:57 am)
  
  Done. Thank you!
- Joel August 12, 2021 (2:34 pm)
  
  Yes, I did call SDOT. I will also email Herbold, but I’ve never gotten a response from her.
- ShermanO August 12, 2021 (6:31 pm)
  
  Added my voice.

WSB August 12, 2021 (7:20 pm)

So far (I’ll be writing this up later tonight) SDOT is not budging. A Community Task Force member brought it up at this afternoon’s meeting.

Mary August 12, 2021 (10:38 pm)

I emailed Lisa Herbold and SDOT last night. SDOT sent an auto-reply while I got the following from Ms Herbold’s office (note that this thread is called out/linked in her office’s communication to SDOT):Thank you for writing
Councilmember Herbold about the closure of the Andover pedestrian/bike
bridge. Below is an e-mail Councilmember Herbold had her staff send to
the SDOT Director. I am copying Shauna Larsen and asking her to
copy you on the reply. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Newell Aldrich
Aide to Councilmember Herbold

Director Zimbabwe,

I am writing on behalf of Councilmember Herbold about SDOT’s closure of the SW Andover Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge.

I understand the pedestrian and bicycle bridge will be
closed for seismic retrofitting beginning in the fall for 2-3
months, as part of the Move Lev bridge seismic retrofit program, and
that construction could begin as soon as September.

This closure has elicited significant comment both to Councilmember Herbold directly, and on the

West Seattle Blog article. The article indicates the closure is to reduce trespassing.

Below are some of the comments from
affected constituents Councilmember Herbold has received directly. Some
have noted the importance of access to transit, and between North
Delridge, and access to businesses on the west side.

I’ve highlighted comments from
constituents who disagree that this closure would affect trespassing.
Others are included in the comments to the linked article.

Could you or your staff respond to this?

I’ll be sending comments to Shauna
Larsen, some of which also raise concerns about the proposed detour
route for when the bridge.

Sincerely,
Newell Aldrich
Aide to Councilmember Herbold .

The overpass is the shortest and
safest access for pedestrians and cyclists who need to access both sides
of the West Seattle Freeway for transit, school, businesses or exercise
The
city claims to be interested in making travel without a car pleasant
and safe, but this unannounced closure reveals that cars rule
decision-making and the interests of walkers,
runners, and bikers who will be disproportionately impacted can
apparently be disregarded
It
is unreasonable to close the SW Andover overpass. This bridge is used
by pedestrians and cyclists to safely navigate through West Seattle.
You’re putting lives at risk by asking
walkers and bikers to use alternate roads.
Trespassers
are not using this bridge to get onto the West Seattle bridge. You
cannot simply jump from the pedestrian bridge and if you did you
would get hurt and Darwin’s law wins.
this is a stupid, unnecessary inconvenience for those of us who regularly use the bridge while biking and walking or
getting to where we can catch a bus
Please
reconsider the decision to close this critical piece of bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure. The alternate routes for pedestrians and
cyclists are very roundabout and could
add over a mile to given trip. The alternate routes are also more
dangerous.
Upper bridge trespassers DO NOT use the Andover bridge for access.
I’ve literally stood there and watched
them go around the Andover bridge ramp and walk onto the upper bridge
entrance. Why on earth would anyone go up on the Andover bridge and drop
down when simply walking
around is an option?
.
I live on Andover and Avalon and use the bridge frequently including at
night. I have not been witness to the disruptions others have seen not
to say it doesn’t happen, I’m sure
it does, all I can say is the only people that I see using the bridge
or walkers / runners and the occasion cyclist. but in regards to
trespassing onto the bridge I am very skeptical as there is pretty high
fencing as a barrier with sticker bushes present
in front of the fencing. I just don’t see how this is a good access
point for people to trespass on to the bridge. That being said I have definitely seen people trespass on the bridge and to me the most
obvious place to do this would be right at the entrance of 35th
and Fauntleroy. During the snow storm this year I saw people getting
through the fence enclosure. I feel like the disruptions and trespassing
should be handled directly and not by closure
of a vital foot bridge.

WSB August 12, 2021 (11:07 pm)

Thanks for that update. I’m holding my followup until I can check with CM Herbold’s office tomorrow.

Ted Ellis August 13, 2021 (4:56 am)

I can’t help but chuckle a little bit about the disbelief that SDOT did this to you all. I warned you all months ago that an unchecked agency like SDOT will eventually step all over things you like.Examples provided:Closure of lane on 99n into city. You used to be able to take 3rd lane almost full distance into Seattle and then one day SDOT unilaterally decides – nope, it’s for buses. Clogged commute from that point forward.Next up – safe streets junk. Just close streets and put up huge barricades so people can play in the street during covid. How nice it is that an agency can decide our tax dollars spent on roads for all modes of traffic can just decide to close it to cars permanently without public comment.When you allowed them to do the above because it supposedly benefitted bike riders – now you get this.Good luck with SDOT

Sorry, comment time is over.