West Seattle, Washington
13 Saturday
(Updated screengrab from nearest SDOT traffic camera, looking east toward scene)
10:20 PM: According to SPD radio, King County Sheriff’s Office deputies are closing Roxbury at 15th, after a collision reported as a driver hitting a pedestrian – reportedly a hit-run with life-threatening injuries. The driver was last seen heading eastbound on Roxbury. One officer says a witness believes the vehicle was a gray Mazda SUV.
10:38 PM: SFD medics are taking the victim to Harborview.
11 PM: Roxbury has reopened. We have followup inquiries out but may not hear back until tomorrow morning.
8:30 AM TUESDAY: SFD says the victim is an 81-year-old man who was in critical condition when transported.
10:56 AM: KCSO tells us the victim has died, and a spokesperson adds, “Preliminary investigation says the suspect vehicle was a silver SUV, possibly a Mazda. The vehicle would have front-end damage to the grill and hood area.” They are hoping to get more information about the suspect out later today in hopes of public help in tracking them down.
That’s Genevieve, who rejuvenates knives by “traditional hand-sharpening on whetstones.” As listed in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, she’s having a pop-up tomorrow (Tuesday, April 23) at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), 9 am-4 pm. $10 per knife. Here’s the FAQ on her Kneighborhood Knives website, in case you have a question before just showing up.
ORIGINAL MONDAY ANNOUNCEMENT: We received this Tuesday traffic alert from SDOT late today:
Tomorrow morning, the Seattle Department of Transportation’s urban forestry and signs and markings teams will be closing the westbound off-ramp to SW Admiral Way from the West Seattle High Bridge at around 9:30 a.m. This closure is necessary due to a broken limb that requires removal, although our team has already stabilized it earlier today.
Detour signage will be in place to guide drivers to SW Admiral Way. The designated detour route is as follows: continue on the West Seattle High Bridge onto Fauntleroy Way SW. Then, turn right onto SW Oregon St, followed by another right onto California Ave SW, which will lead you to SW Admiral Way.
They’re not sure yet how long the work will take.
TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE: SDOT says the ramp should reopen by 3 pm.
We’ve published recent updates on the Alki Point and High Point “Healthy Streets” – so what’s up with the other one SDOT set up in West Seattle, the Delridge/Highland Park “Healthy Street”? That’ll be a central topic at this Wednesday’s HPAC meeting. HPAC’s announcement also includes an update from the resident who was sleuthing the return of “The Hum” as discussed at a previous meeting:
As folks are starting to get out and about, gearing up for spring and summer walking and rolling, SDOT will be our guest this month to talk about the future for the Delridge/Highland Park Healthy Street network. All users of the routes in question are welcome, regardless of where you live.
These routes were put in place during the pandemic to broaden access to safe outdoor spaces. Most often they were installed along existing or planned Neighborhood Greenways. Streets being considered for changes include portions of 21st Ave SW, 15th Ave SW, 17th Ave SW, 11th Ave SW, SW Webster and SW Trenton, noted in dashed purple lines on this map.
We understand that Planners want to hear:
-What part of the network should be kept and improved?
-What kind of barriers, amenities and signage are preferred?
-What part(s) should return to general usage?We will also expect to have Seattle Police Department representatives on hand to answer community questions and hear any concerns.
Look forward to seeing folks in person!
General announcements:
Just in!! We have an Update on “The HUMM.” From concerned resident Matthew H, who has been leading outreach on this quality of life issue:
“I’ve been in touch with CalPortland and they conceded their industrial vacuums are creating noise. The mufflers they installed wore out faster than they thought they would. They assured me that the new mufflers would be installed by the end of the month.”
For those not aware, or new to the area. These huge vacuums are used by the concrete supply companies along the Duwamish Waterway to unload powdered materials shipped here to use in their products. Hopefully they are able to get these repaired shortly as promised!
That turned out to be the source of the sound back when we covered community advocates’ quest to figure out the same problem more than a decade ago, and as we’ve told people more recently, the sporadic reports of its return have usually coincided with a dry-cargo ship being in port on the river. Meantime, HPAC’s meeting starts at 6:30 pm Wednesday (April 24) at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
A gray whale is feeding close to shore off Alki. Kersti Muul says it’s about 100 feet out off the 1700 block of Alki Avenue SW right now and was close in off the west end of Alki earlier.
(Images provided by Friends of West Seattle Bike Park. Above, possible location off 35th south of Alaska)
Could that strip of city-owned land south of Rotary Viewpoint Park (35th/Alaska) be transformed into West Seattle’s first bike-skills park? Or another location? The new group Friends of West Seattle Bike Park says it’s something missing and needed on our peninsula, and wants you to know what they’re advocating for, as well as how you can join in:
Skills parks for bikes promote healthy lifestyles, are increasingly popular with people of all ages and abilities, and are currently a long drive from West Seattle.
Friends of West Seattle Bike Park (FOWSBP) is proposing the establishment of a modest public bike-skills park in West Seattle. This park will serve as an inclusive community hub for cyclists and other wheeled adventurers of all ages and skill levels, providing a safe and accessible environment for outdoor adventure and community building.
Objective
The primary objective of the proposed skills park is to create a dynamic and inclusive space where individuals and families can experience the thrill of mountain biking, BMXing, dirt jumping, one-wheeling and ADA-accessible biking/wheeling, while promoting physical activity, outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and community building. Additionally, the park aims to foster a sense of community among cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, promoting social interaction and camaraderie. We are committed to utilizing the diverse skills, talents, and resources of West Seattle residents towards the creation of more than just a recreational area – we are building a symbol of community collaboration and pride.
Facility Features
The bike skills park is envisioned to feature a variety of trails and amenities designed to accommodate riders of all ages and abilities. Key conceptual features of the park include:
(Dirt pump track in Baltimore)
Pump Track: A loop that consists of a series of rollers and berms. The “pump” part is the pushing-down and pulling-up action performed by riders in accordance with the structure’s design as the main source of propulsion. It’s a thrilling experience because users experience an up-and-down feeling of weightlessness, similar to the drops and climbs in a roller-coaster, but on a micro-level.
(Paved pump track in Port Angeles)
Pump tracks are designed this way so they can be ridden completely without the need for pushing and pedaling and a great avenue for new riders to learn how to ride a bike. The pump track will include design elements making it ADA-accessible.
Skills Area: A designated skills area equipped with features such as rock gardens, boulders and skinnys to help riders develop and improve their biking skills in a controlled environment.
Jump Lines: A diverse network of three to five trails catering to beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. Trails will vary in difficulty and terrain, offering a range of experiences from gently sloping, rollable table tops to large steep-faced jumps. The trails will be designed to allow riders to progress safely and confidently as their skills develop and be ADA-accessible where possible. These trails will also allow for the general public to observe and rally behind the aerial capabilities of some very talented West Seattle-based riders!
Amenities: The envisioned park design includes amenities such as picnic tables, a drinking fountain and a tool stand to enhance the overall visitor experience and encourage prolonged stays.
Safety Measures: Safety is a top priority, and the park will implement well proven design measures that allow riders to push themselves as much as desired, in a controlled environment.
Community Engagement
Community engagement and involvement will be integral to the success of the bike skills park. To foster a sense of ownership and pride among West Seattle residents, the park will offer opportunities for volunteerism, educational programs, events, and workshops focused on biking skills, trail stewardship, and environmental conservation.
Partnerships
The establishment and operation of the bike skills park will require collaboration with various stakeholders, including local government agencies, cycling organizations, environmental groups, community members, and local businesses. Partnerships will be sought to secure funding, resources, expertise, and ongoing support for the development and maintenance of the park.
The establishment of a public bike-skills park in West Seattle presents an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant yet modest outdoor recreational area that promotes health, wellness, and community engagement. With careful planning, collaboration, and investment, we can realize the vision of a unique facility that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. We look forward to working with stakeholders to bring this vision to fruition and create lasting memories for generations to come.
In the coming weeks, FOWSBP will launch a website which will serve as a centralized location for community members to stay updated on project happenings, submit feedback on project design and location, and provide a schedule of times and locations for public meetings.
Being that FOWSBP is still very much in its infancy, we are looking for volunteers interested in supporting this effort. Immediate needs are folks that can write grant proposals/navigate the grant seeking process, are familiar with web design, and those that can produce conceptual renderings of skills park designs. Please send an email to friendsofwestseattlebikepark@gmail.com if you would like to be part of this amazing project!
For more information on pump tracks, please explore the links below:
Bermstyle – Guide to pump tracks
Port Angeles Pump Track Grand Opening
The new group says they’ve already had a preliminary discussion with Parks about the possible location shown atop this story but it’s very early and they’re truly interested in feedback about the site and the overall idea.
Breaking news kept us from publishing our daily event list today – you can always preview what’s up for the hours/days/weeks ahead by checking the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, to which we add new listings every day. But we do want to take a moment to mention the lone one-time-only event on the calendar tonight – an Earth Day screening of the film previewed above, the documentary “Common Ground.” All are welcome to the screening at 7 pm in Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Pastoral Center (northeast corner of 35th/Myrtle). Organizers say, “Common Ground was a winner at multiple film festivals, including the Tribeca Festival, and provides hope for future generations, with concrete ways to fix a broken planetary system.”
(Photos courtesy CSIHS Athletics)
Tonight is Senior Night for Chief Sealth International High School‘s baseball team, playing Cleveland at 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). The players in the photo above are seniors Noah Tewolde, Gavin Brown, and Isaac Martinez, and as CSIHS athletic director Ernest Policarpio recounts below, the team scored this year’s “Best in the West” crosstown-rivalry win over West Seattle High School on Friday night:
Both teams were strong on the mound on Friday, but Chief Sealth defeated West Seattle Varsity Wildcats 2-1.
Isaac Martinez started on the bump for Chief Sealth. The starting pitcher gave up four hits and one run over five innings, striking out six and walking five. Nevin Pivar threw two innings of no-run ball for Chief Sealth in reliefl he gave up three hits, walking two.
Miles Chandler led things off on the hill for West Seattle, He gave up four hits and two runs over six innings, striking out 10 and walking three.
Chief Sealth got on the board in the first inning after Teo Perala singled, scoring one run. Clay Pecore singled, which helped West Seattle tie the game at one in the top of the second.
Chief Sealth didn’t take the lead until later in the game. The game was tied at one in the bottom of the sixth when Miles Chandler induced Marko Woefle to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored.
Teo Perala and Marko Woefle each drove in one run for Chief Sealth; Brady Murphy went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Chief Sealth.
West Seattle’s Matthew Hazlegrove made the most of his chances at the plate; he led the team with three hits in four at bats. Clay Pecore went 2-for-3 at the plate as the infielder led the team with one run batted in.
(Constellation Park section of Alki Point Healthy Street, February)
When SDOT reiterated one month ago that it would build the permanent features of the Alki Point Healthy Street – both Beach Drive and Alki Avenue SW, west of 63rd SW to the point – the construction schedule was still pending.
(Rendering of design for Beach Drive north/west of 64th)
This morning, they’ve announced via email that work is imminent:
We are excited to share an update that last week crews marked the five new speed hump locations. As soon as this week, they will start construction of the permanent treatments for the Alki Point Healthy Street. This work will include:
-Removing two speed humps and installing five new speed humps
-Marking for the new street layout, pavement markings, and sign locationsOnce the new speed humps have cured, crews will install:
-A 10-foot-wide shared walking/rolling space
-Three ADA parking spaces
-Stop controls at intersecting streets
-Pavement markings, parking signs, and striping the public parking lotUnauthorized on-street parking located within 20 feet of intersections will be removed for new installation. Please visit the project webpage for more information on design elements.
SDOT originally announced those design elements last December, more than a year after saying the “Healthy Street” would be made permanent. It was originally designated a “Stay Healthy Street” in the early months of the pandemic, starting with the Beach Drive stretch – which had long been the source of resident complaints about driver gatherings – and quickly expanding to add the Alki Avenue stretch. More recently, the final parking-removal plans for the project sparked a new round of opposition, but the plan apparently is proceeding unmodified.
9:46 AM: Now a Seattle Fire “rescue extrication” response is on the way to the 4700 block of 45th SW for what’s reported as a car-on-side crash. Updates to come.
(Added: WSB photo)
9:49 AM: SFD crews are arriving and report “all occupants are out” of what police tell dispatch is a “minivan.” The response is being downsized.
10:04 AM: Our photographer just arrived; photo added above. No serious injuries, we’re told; a woman and child got out of the van. (added) Police tell us the van went on its side after hitting this parked pickup truck:
(added) Thanks to Guy for this photo of the scene:
2:54 PM: Police confirm what a commenter below first reported – that the woman driving the minivan was arrested on suspicion of DUI and reckless endangerment and booked into King County Jail. They also confirm that two children were in the minivan at the time of the crash and that both were taken to the Southwest Precinct, but had no information beyond that.
9:08 AM: As noted briefly in our morning traffic roundup, that flipped car is blocking Delridge Way SW near Elmgrove. Our photographer just arrived at the scene and reports a tow truck is arriving. Unlike many flipped-car crashes, this one did not initially draw a major “rescue”-type SFD response, and the one engine that was sent was dismissed quickly, which indicates no major injuries.
9:11 AM: We talked briefly with police, who told us the driver fled the scene, after hitting a parked car and flipping this one. They hope to have the street reopened within 20 minutes or so.
9:22 AM: Reopened.
9:40 AM: Listening back to the original dispatch audio, two people were in the car and both bolted. No initial description other than “black clothing.” When the officer checked on the status of its plates, it came back “clear” – no theft reported – but expired.
8:45 AM: Thanks for the tip. Flipped-car crash is blocking Delridge both ways at Elmgrove. Separate update to come.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, April 22.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
The West Seattle low bridge is closed for a third day, due to reopen by next Monday morning; here’s SDOT info about the closure, including how to get free bus or Water Taxi trips.
ROAD-WORK ALERTS
*As previewed here, final work on the Highland Park Way/Holden signal is expected to start today.
*Work at the Delridge/Oregon intersection has narrowed it to one lane each way.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high near 60. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:06 am, sunset at 8:09 pm.
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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