TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday updates, including bridge crash

6:55 AM: Crash reported on the westbound bridge at Harbor.

7:55 AM: SDOT says the crash and icy conditions have fully closed the WB bridge.

8:20 AM: Commenter says WB traffic is moving again. We are following up with SFD re: crash injuries.

11:10 AM: SFD tells us one man had a minor injury.

11:30 AM: According to a report summary from SPD, that person was a police officer:

At 0642 hours, officers responded to a 4-car collision on the westbound side of the West Seattle Bridge just west of the Delridge WY SW off ramp. Upon arrival, it was determined all westbound lanes needed to be shut down due ice covering all lanes creating a safety hazard for Seattle Fire, SPD on scene, and motorists. The jersey barrier that divides eastbound and westbound traffic was moved partially into the eastbound left lane as a result of the collision, so the left lane of the eastbound was also shut down. SDOT was requested and responded to assist with traffic control. SDOT also responded to salt the westbound lanes of the bridge. Once SDOT was finished salting the roadway and the vehicles involved in the collision towed from the scene, all westbound lanes were open for traffic. SDOT stayed on scene in the eastbound lane to address the left lane shutdown due to the jersey barrier partially in the roadway. One officer sustained minor injuries due to slipping on the icy roadway during the collision investigation.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 6th.

WEATHER

The forecast for today: Partly sunny, chance of showers, high near 50.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water TaxiRegular schedule.

Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations remain possible, so check notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the camera at the top:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – looking east to west (unless SDOT turns the camera):

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.

13 Replies to "TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday updates, including bridge crash"

  • Sandra March 6, 2023 (6:14 am)

    Any word on the proposed Sound Transit station at Avalon?  Wasn’t there a Feb 23rd ST Board meeting?

  • name March 6, 2023 (7:05 am)

    West bound west Seattle bridge completely blocked still

  • Lola March 6, 2023 (7:22 am)

    Saw the guy sitting in his car heading Westbound on the WS freeway.  Looks like he bounced off a couple of guard rails as his car was all smashed on the drivers side.  He was sitting off to the right in the Admiral way right hand lane.  Not sure if that is where he landed so he just stayed there?  Of course the Eastbound lanes had to all slow down so they could look at him. 

  • KC March 6, 2023 (7:30 am)

    It looks like the crash broke through the median so both directions are super slow.  Everyone westbound is now going off the Avalon/Harbor Ave exit.

  • Michael March 6, 2023 (7:35 am)

    When I passed eastbound at about 7:00, the concrete barrier was partially blocking the inner eastbound lane, so only one lane was getting through. 

  • KC March 6, 2023 (7:49 am)

    Now it’s looking like no one is coming over the westbound high bridge. My guess is that they are going to need to repair the median so everyone is being directed to use low bridge for now. (I can’t see the low bridge from where I am, so I’m not positive.)

  • Derek March 6, 2023 (8:04 am)

    Avoid the bridge! Backed up to entrance. 

  • name March 6, 2023 (8:14 am)

    Motorcycle was involved as well

  • KC March 6, 2023 (8:15 am)

    Westbound high bridge is open again.  Still very slow on eastbound side because the median is blocking a lane.  Best to use the entrance from Avalon or Delridge to eastbound high bridge if possible. 

  • WSB March 6, 2023 (11:23 am)

    Added above, no serious injuries reported.

  • Colonel Mustard's Wrench March 7, 2023 (11:04 am)

    Isn’t SDOT supposed to pretreat icy surfaces of major roadways ? 
    What is their explanation ?

    • WSB March 7, 2023 (9:55 pm)

      Here’s the response I got: “SDOT crews patrolled the bridge, as we always do, during cold temperatures but conditions at the time did not warrant treatment. This isolated location did freeze unexpectedly just at daybreak and our crews responded immediately. Different kinds of anti-icing materials have different levels of effectiveness in various temperatures and weather conditions. We then adjust what we use based on the current conditions. We will continue to monitor all our frost prone locations and overpasses overnight and whenever the roads are approaching to freezing temperatures.”

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