UPDATE: Bus crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge

(SDOT image via Twitter)

9:10 AM: Thanks for the tips. Westbound traffic on the West Seattle Bridge is backing up because of a crash that has left a Metro bus sideways across two lanes of the bridge, just west of Highway 99.

9:34 AM: All westbound lanes are now blocked, as well as the ramp from southbound 99 to the bridge, with a Metro tow truck on scene. We’re checking with SFD re: injuries.

9:56 AM: They’ve just pulled the damaged bus to the side and reopened the westbound bridge to traffic. The onramp from 99 still appears blocked (per the live-video camera on the SDOT map).

10:50 AM: The bus was just towed and now the onramp has reopened too.

1:31 PM: SFD tells WSB that the bus driver, a ~50-year-old man, was taken to the hospital via AMR ambulance, in stable condition when transported.

2:16 PM: Here’s what Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer tells WSB about the crash: “Based on preliminary information, a Route 50 bus was traveling from First Avenue South to the westbound West Seattle Bridge about 8:50 a.m. when, as they were merging, they corrected to avoid a vehicle and collided with the bridge right-hand barrier. The bus driver reportedly has minor hand and leg injuries. Initial reports were that there were four riders on board at the time had no reported injuries and were picked up by a passing RapidRide C Line bus. Seattle Police and Seattle Fire responded. I’ve since been in touch with two passengers who were seeking evaluation for what sound like minor injuries.”

Allison October 22, 2022 (9:32 am)

Just drove by this – hoping everyone is ok (especially the driver!). The front of the bust was completely crushed 😢

NW October 22, 2022 (9:34 am)

Reaching out and posting a question. Do you know why the roads are especially hazardous right now after months and months of zero substantial rain?

Sometimesyoujustgottacomment October 22, 2022 (10:01 am)

As has been mentioned in other blog comments with even one post warning of exactly this before the rain started, and should be known by every person who drives a vehicle (or rides a bike), months and months of no rain allows oil, chemicals, etc. to build up on the pavement. Once water is added to this mix oil rises to the top (science!) creating a more slippery surface on top of the pavement than just water alone.Please be careful out there (crappy) drivers.
heyalki October 22, 2022 (10:03 am)

An accumulation of months worth of oil and grime from traffic creates a slick surface when mixed with water
Rhonda October 22, 2022 (1:34 pm)

It’s not just built-up, dripped oil from cars. It’s tire and asphalt residue, which both contain petroleum.

West Seattle Islander October 22, 2022 (9:38 am)

Did the bus hit the bridge anywhere? I’m not sure if I can handle another two years with no bridge while the city decides if they want to patch a crack in a piece of cement

Tim October 22, 2022 (9:46 am)

There were two passengers. Another bus took them to the junction. One of those is now headed to the ER to check for concussion.

Susan October 22, 2022 (10:15 am)

We’re at the hospital. Trying to get ahold of anyone at metro. Anyone! But she’s likely fine. Waiting on x-rays. Head exam.
- Jeff Switzer, Metro October 22, 2022 (11:17 am)
  
  Very sorry this happened and hoping for good news. I’m tracking down a contact for you and will help connect you with the right team.
  - Jeff Switzer, Metro October 22, 2022 (11:42 am)
    
    Please reach out to me via email and i can send you the incident card with the information you need for following up with Metro and King County. jeff.switzer@kingcounty.gov
- Alyssa October 22, 2022 (11:22 am)
  
  Hi, I was the other person in the accident, please let me know if you guys make any contact with metro!
  - Jeff Switzer, Metro October 22, 2022 (11:43 am)
    
    Please reach out to me via email and i can send you the incident card with the information you need for following up with Metro and King County. jeff.switzer@kingcounty.gov
Frog October 22, 2022 (11:49 am)

Was this a case of the bus crashing solo, or was it crossed up by some other vehicle?
- PatWS October 22, 2022 (1:22 pm)
  
  I saw elsewhere that the bus had steered to avoid another vehicle, and crashed into the right-side barricade.

WSEARES October 22, 2022 (10:02 am)

Just drive across the bridge east bound & they are hooking it up to tow. Hope the driver is ok!! Any status on the driver as the whole front windshield was smashed in? It looked bad. What did the bus hit to be that badly damaged? Also btw the roads are extremely slick from build up of oils and because this is the first heavy rain in awhile. I have newer tires and can feel how slick they are. Drive safe & slow down especially around sharp corners.

newnative October 22, 2022 (11:20 am)

The past few days I have nearly fallen out of seat when the driver took the turns too fast. A lot of dependency on fast-acting brakes.

K October 22, 2022 (1:17 pm)

I almost fell out of my seat this week when a car driver using the bus lane passed and cut off a bus who had already moved in to the 99 exit lane, to get ahead of them. It sucks when drivers suck–sudden braking on busses is scary. I would love to see speed and bus lane enforcement cameras on the bridge asap.

DRW October 22, 2022 (12:26 pm)

Please drive accordingly! I was driving over the bridge yesterday and was changing lanes to get into the right hand lane at that very spot. My car did a big shimmy. its slick!

Rb October 22, 2022 (12:34 pm)

I have been on the 120 going downtown a few times this year where the drivers were going incredibly fast. It felt uncomfortable because city busses are not made for high speeds so 60mph feel like 90 mph

Laura October 22, 2022 (1:09 pm)

We saw this too when driving over the bridge this morning and were wondering about the well-being of the driver and passengers, and the cause of the accident given the extensive damage to the front of the bus. Hope everyone is ok!

Duffy October 22, 2022 (1:22 pm)

I live near California Ave and my opinion is Metro drivers are some of the worst offenders of speeding in our community. It’s absurd given the size of what they are driving. If anyone in management at Metro is reading this, tell your drivers to SLOW DOWN

Agree! October 22, 2022 (1:44 pm)

Duffy….I couldn’t agree more. I try to walk everywhere I go in West Seattle. As you know the pedestrian has the right of way at all marked and unmarked intersections. Meaning.. crosswalk or no crosswalk you must stop for a pedestrian at an intersection. Metro bus drivers are clueless to this law. I can be 5-feet off the curb wanting to cross and the bus will ignore me. I once jolted back afraid the mirror would hit me. Even if you have the law on your side don’t walk in front of one. They will not stop.
Odd son October 22, 2022 (1:55 pm)

Amen. They seem exempt from traffic control devices as well. It has been going on for the last 2 decades.

anonyme October 22, 2022 (1:36 pm)

Agree with Dufy, RB and others. Many buses consistently run well over the speed limit. There are many times I’ve been on a bus that was speeding on the bridge in wet conditions. That long, high, curvy turn is just terrifying at times.

coltraine October 22, 2022 (2:01 pm)

Duffy…do you also go by the name Rant? I think I’ve see your comments in another forum. Also your cap lock might be stuck….

Craig October 22, 2022 (2:16 pm)

I live near California too, and commute to downtown by bike, bus and car, and in my opinion find Metro drivers slow and cautious. I suppose it depends on when, where and how often you observe them. I’ve also enjoyed their chatter and help here and there. Cheers to them. It’s a hard job.