Low bridge still closed to drivers, open to bicyclists and pedestrians, + other traffic/weather notes for Wednesday

6:03 AM: Again today, we begin with the reminder that the West Seattle low bridge remains closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling):

No estimate yet how long it will be until SDOT finishes repairing “severe” crash damage to the gate and barrier at the edge of the east half of the low bridge (here’s our coverage of Saturday’s crash). Here’s SDOT’s newest update on the repairs.

This morning’s other notes:

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro buses today – Third weekday since the twice-yearly service change – West Seattle-area routes with changes are 60, 125, 131, and 132.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Cloudy, becoming sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:51 am, while sunset will be at 7:13 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday.)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*SDOT has made one change in this week’s plan for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project, adding Thursday night work – we’ve updated here. Tonight: Eastbound left lanes closed 7 pm-6 am, 1st and 4th exits open.

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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!

Jay September 18, 2024 (9:12 am)

Is anyone else concerned that the final stage of closing has gotten progressively slower over the past year or so? The time it takes for the gates to open after the bridge stops moving closed. Sometimes it’s a few minutes now.

bill September 18, 2024 (10:18 am)

Reply

The bridge is not operating any slower. The swinging sections float on oil bearings. After they align and appear to stop moving they actually slowly descend two or three inches as the oil is pumped out. If you are at the pedestrian gates you can see this.
- Jay September 18, 2024 (1:51 pm)
  
  Reply
  
  I’ve been biking that route for about 7 years. It used to be about 15-30 seconds for the bridge to lower after closing, and the gate opened about 5 seconds after the bridge reached its lowest position. At most you’d have to wait maybe 45 seconds after the bridge closed for the gate to open. Now it takes a minutes for the gate to open after bridge closes. Three years ago it was significantly slower than seven years ago, and today it’s even slower. I used to do a track stand when it closed and started riding before having to put a foot down. It’s gotten so bad I’m worried that there might be a hidden issue SDOT isn’t talking about that might shut down the bridge.
  - 22blades September 19, 2024 (6:56 am)
    
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    If you can Track Stand, you’re acutely aware of the time it takes! LOL…
Harborislandworker September 18, 2024 (11:30 am)

Reply

Jay… I use that bridge on a daily basis, except for when I’m not working. I’m not sure if it’s actually slower than it used to be, but it sure does feel like it. I do know that they have changed the light sequence for through traffic especially when the bridge just opens. It definitely takes longer for the 11th Ave. traffic to get a green light. And all the construction going on down there makes it really hard to get back into West Seattle.