TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Still-snowy Tuesday morning

6:30 AM: Good morning. A bit of new snow overnight. First, we have links:

ROAD/TRANSIT INFO
-City map of plowed/treated/closed roads, here
-City map of traffic cams, here
-Our page with West Seattle-relevant cams, here
-County map of traffic cams (choose “south” tab for White Center), here
–Metro buses are running Emergency Snow Network service reductions again today
–West Seattle Water Taxi is running (with Spirit of Kingston)
–Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state ferry route on regular two-boat service

WEATHER

Mid-twenties right now. Today’s forecast – mostly cloudy, high near 30.

Again today, if you’re headed out this morning, consider letting us know how your drive/ride went, once you get to where you’re going.

7 AM: No incidents reported so far this morning. Two West Seattle road closures are officially marked on the city map – SW Andover east of Delridge (the hill to/from Pigeon Point) and 47th SW south of Fauntleroy. Larry Snyder sent this photo of Andover late last night:

7:55 AM: Speaking of closures, we’re starting a list again today – if your facility/business plans a closure or changed schedule today, please let us know so we can add it to the list – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

8:20 AM: Snowing lightly again.

9:09 AM: Big news from Junction True Value – snow shovels and ice melt are back in stock. (They’re limiting the latter to 50 pounds/person.)

10:14 AM: The city map has added some closures – check it before you head out.

Jeepney December 28, 2021 (6:45 am)

Drove from 35th & Barton to Auburn. Took 35th to the lower bridge, roads are in very good shape. Got on 99 and as soon as you leave the Seattle city limits, the roads still are covered with snow and ice. Tukwila, Kent, and Auburn were still pretty treacherous on the main roads.

Working on Alki December 28, 2021 (6:56 am)

Thanks for this update! I’m coming from Tukwila and heading to alki. I normally take 599, and then marginal..did you happen to take 599? All of the WSDOT cameras by my house off of 518 and 509 are not currently working 😫
- Peter December 28, 2021 (7:11 am)
  
  I took 599 this morning at 5:45 from WS to SeaTac. Roads were covered in snow, but very doable. That said, definitely a difference between 599 and west marginal or other actively plowed the roads.
- Lauren December 28, 2021 (7:18 am)
  
  This is exactly what I’ve been wondering. None of the cameras near Tukwila are working. I’m hoping to make it to the post office in the parking lot of Southcenter today.
  - WSB December 28, 2021 (7:34 am)
    
    SDOT says it’s working on the south King County camera problem but no ETA for a fix.
  - 1994 December 28, 2021 (12:39 pm)
    
    We drove 599 to southcenter Dec 27. 599 had compact snow but traffic moving along between 40-50 mph. The I-5 exit to southcenter and roads around the east side of southcenter were mostly wet with a little slush. The side roads and parking lots are slushy. The Olsen and Myers Way was no problem to get up to Roxbury.
  - Bus December 28, 2021 (1:48 pm)
    
    The State DOT has started tweeting hand-drawn pictures of road conditions, because they’re getting so many comments about the cameras being out. At least they have a sense of humor about it (and they’re working on fixes).
- Jeepney December 28, 2021 (7:25 am)
  
  Took 599 for one stretch, and it was still sludge and ice, very slow going.
  - Working on Alki December 28, 2021 (7:53 am)
    
    I’ll probably be better off taking 509 then to marginal!! Thank you so much for your replies, you’ve made me feel a lot better!!

Etm December 28, 2021 (7:27 am)

How will we know when 47th Ave SW is re-opened….I have lived off 47th for nearly 20years and have never seen it closed by city….anyone have information?

AeroJunkie December 28, 2021 (8:22 am)

We drove on it yesterday as we have to go to work and get food / prescriptions. There is no reason why they have our street singled out to close. It is not like there is an officer keeping us from coming and going. I am a long time resident and this baffles me but then again, they have had the notifications that our electrical vaults are going to be worked on for 9 months now and not a single person has been back out here so maybe these signs are permanent. *shrug*

E December 28, 2021 (7:51 am)

Anybody have any tips for getting from WS to SeaTac this morning? Best route?

At Seatac December 28, 2021 (8:09 am)

We drove an AWD car after our pre-scheduled car was a no show. Marineview to 106th and Ambaum to 509, no problems. Also let WS Seattle yesterday and Marginal and Avalon Ave were fine w AWD
LyndaB December 28, 2021 (8:18 am)

If you want to avoid taking 509, you can make your way through White Center to Ambaum and make a left somewhere to 1st Ave. Once you get on 1st Ave, drive past the Fred Meyer and left turn to 518 exit for the Airport. Heads-up, there is a part of Ambaum that dips when you’re past the McDonald’s. Anybody, been on there who knows the road conditions there? Good luck. Hope that made sense.
Foop December 28, 2021 (8:20 am)

The 560 bus from Westwood Village.

Rob December 28, 2021 (8:21 am)

Your best bet to get to sea tac is to follow the sound transit bus route . It seems they plow the main bus routes first. That’s just my thoughts.

Sheila G December 28, 2021 (9:19 am)

Is there a section of Avalon Way that’s CLOSED at 9:17am? The City’s map shows a solid red stripe from Genesee northward for a few blocks. Would appreciate any updates from someone who lives along that stretch or who has driven it recently. Thanks. Trying to get to WS Health Club from Alaska Junction, if that helps.

WSB December 28, 2021 (10:13 am)

City map shows more closures now than it did early in the morning…
- WSB December 28, 2021 (1:02 pm)
  
  Just drove Avalon to check. Open.

Gene December 28, 2021 (12:47 pm)

Unfortunately, when 47th and the top of 98th are closed so are 48th, 49th, 50th, 51st, 98th, and 97th, with no way out of the neighborhood. Fingers crossed that there are no fires or medical emergencies down there.

Flivver December 28, 2021 (1:48 pm)

Gene. Read aerojunkie’s comment above. The closed signs are INFORMATION ONLY. If you live in the neighborhood and own a vehicle that is properly equipped for winter driving by all means drive in and out as needed. You will not be ticketed for getting to and from your home.