WINDSTORM AFTERMATH: South Park Bridge still closed, and other cleanup notes

The forecast remains “breezy” through Wednesday, but not as windy as Sunday, so cleanup continues today. Above, Joel sent the photo of a tree that toppled in the 4100 block of Chilberg SW. But the worst toppling trouble in the area remains on East Marginal Way. Seattle City Light says 15 poles fell in the storm, closing part of East Marginal and blocking access to the South Park Bridge as a result.

The bridge and road might stay closed until “midday Tuesday” although SCL says they’re prioritizing the cleanup near the bridge’s east end in order to expedite the reopening. And if you’re wondering about the East Marginal poles that fell two years ago, here’s what City Light says:

These poles, located north of the stretch of poles that failed during a 2019 incident, were last inspected in August 2021. Three poles were identified for replacement and were in the process of being designed and permitted for replacement. As we clear the road, we are transferring the poles and equipment to a location for further inspection.

Meantime, SDOT has been out today sweeping leaf-deluged gutters – we saw this one on California SW in Gatewood:

They can’t be everywhere, though, so check on your nearest drain to ensure it’s not choked with all the leaves that have blown off th trees.

trickycoolj October 25, 2021 (6:07 pm)

SCL apparently is forgetting the chunk of poles that fell between Ellis and 14th last January not just the ones by the Museum of Flight in 2019. Boeing must be fit to be tied, takes a whole day to bring equipment back online an assess for damage from unexpected shutdowns. Glad I don’t have to deal with it anymore, but seriously 3 times since 2019 don’t let SCL gaslight us. https://twitter.com/sdottraffic/status/1349446935954874368?s=21

Auntie October 25, 2021 (6:16 pm)

Re leaves in gutters – thenice new southbound bike lane on Delridge between Holden and just south of Kenyon is pretty much impassable due to the fact that it is full of leaves. I doubt very much that the management at Lighthouse Apts is going to get out there and clear them out. And I am virtually certain that SDOT won’t do it either.

WSB October 25, 2021 (7:04 pm)

SDOT has a bike-lane sweeper.
- Auntie October 25, 2021 (7:08 pm)
  
  Well, they sure aren’t using it on Delridge!
  - momosmom October 25, 2021 (7:41 pm)
    
    Ain’t that the truth, those leaves have been jammed up there for at least 2 weeks if not more.
  - Kyle October 25, 2021 (8:24 pm)
    
    Maybe try reporting it on the find it fix it app with a photo? I’ve had relatively good success with isolated requests using that.
    - Foop October 26, 2021 (12:56 pm)
      
      As reported by WSB 3 weeks ago: Delridge Way SW is on a weekly schedule for sweeping, typically on Wednesdays. However, at this time the sweeping machines are in the maintenance shop, so sweeping may be delayed.”
Moses October 26, 2021 (5:52 pm)

I biked today, Monday and last week on the new southbound bike lane on Delridge. Yes there’s leaves. Yes there’s more leaves on that stretch south of Kenyon. But to call it “pretty much impassible” is incorrect.

KT October 25, 2021 (8:41 pm)

These poles, located north of the stretch of poles that failed during a 2019 incident, were last inspected in August 2021. Three poles were identified for replacement and were in the process of being designed and permitted for replacement. So Seattle.

Smith Twin October 25, 2021 (9:26 pm)

If you are worried about this why wouldn’t you express your civic duty and take action. You peddle that the government will however that seems to be the reliance here.

RickB October 25, 2021 (9:29 pm)

Surprisingly little to do on my normal drain patrol here on 26th Ave SW; the county has had a sweeper run up and down pretty often this fall.

22blades October 26, 2021 (7:55 am)

We can all do our part; sweep & dispose of our leaves. Don’t blow them into the the street to become “somebody else’s problem.” (PS; I hope they require electric landscape equipment like CA. The gas equipment is bad in a number of ways)

Graciano October 26, 2021 (2:06 pm)

My neighbors have some of these trees, they refuse to clean them up. So I use my gas powered blower and blow them back into the street.I understand that people have busy lives and don’t have time or it’s cold and raining. But this is part of home ownership.You could have your kids clean them up vs playing video games after school. Or If you like, I’ll clean them up at $25 hour into your yard waste bin. I have a rake and gas powered blower.

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