UPDATE: Another West Seattle Bridge crash

The King November 1, 2024 (1:47 pm)

Westbound , eastbound or both directions?

CarDriver November 1, 2024 (1:47 pm)

If it’s at the curve it’s in the area SDOT repaved half the curve with new(grippy) pavement but didn’t finish the curve. What then happens is that drivers are coming around with plenty of traction then suddenly transitioning to old smooth pavement and go slipping.

WSzombie November 1, 2024 (8:19 pm)

It doesn’t help that there are bumps there. Hitting those bumps with a truck and light rear end is a recipe for disaster. I always drive as slow as I can there, but if you go too slow in a heavy vehicle, you won’t make it all the way up the hill.

Byrdee November 1, 2024 (2:19 pm)

One of the most dangerous bits of road in Seattle!! I wish there were more caution signs around that bend and speed limit signs. Seems like there is a crash whenever it rains. Hope the driver is okay.

Jenny November 1, 2024 (2:19 pm)

Westbound bridge is clear now. They just re-opened all lanes.

Quiz November 1, 2024 (2:20 pm)

There’s clearly an issue with the road being too slick around that curve when it’s wet. Not sure why it has not been resolved. The old sections are basically like driving on wet polish stones.

Jason November 1, 2024 (2:28 pm)

So like…how many of these are going to happen before change is made… and how can anyone deny light rail need at this point?

CarDriver November 1, 2024 (3:55 pm)

Jason. So, light rail will eliminate car accidents? And light rail is immune from any accidents?
- Hunk November 1, 2024 (6:22 pm)
  
  Light rail is much, much safer and less likely to crash and kill people, yes. And light rail will give a good option to allow us to skip the hazards and hassles of driving–though you’ll still be welcome to sit in traffic if you want to.
  - WSzombie November 1, 2024 (8:16 pm)
    
    What if I work where the lightrail doesn’t go? Get on a bus the rest of the way? That doesn’t work either. Lightrail might cost $43 billion, but it’s foolish to assume it solves 100% of Seattlites commute problems.
    - One of Many November 2, 2024 (8:57 am)
      
      Take the bus the rest of the way? I mean, yes? But even if the train/bus doesn’t go where you work, it does go where someone else works and thus reduces traffic for you!

West Seattleite November 1, 2024 (2:33 pm)

Yes, my husband was approaching that curve a couple of weeks ago, one wet day, being very careful as he knew well its history of crashes. Yet he still felt his car beginning to spin out in that same place. Thankfully, he recovered control and got home safely. But there’s got to be a way to repave it for greater safety.

Kt November 1, 2024 (2:51 pm)

It’s back to 0 days since a car flipped in West Seattle

Stop the excuses November 1, 2024 (3:09 pm)

If you know there’s a problematic curve then avoid it or drive cautiously. But that is beside the point. Assuming the curve is 30mph and you go 25mph for the weather conditions you don’t have a crash. Stop excusing speeding especially when there’s rain. I just drove that bridge when it was pouring and some drivers didn’t even have headlights on. Speed + rain = collision.

Darren November 1, 2024 (3:42 pm)

People don’t turn on headlights at night, you expect them to turn them on during the day :) (sarcasm off). I agree with you.
bolo November 1, 2024 (4:21 pm)

Yes in fact on the approach (just ahead) to this curve there is a BIG yellow 30 MPH sign. Ignore it at your peril. Especially driving a tippy SUV, Pickup truck, or van.
- CarDriver November 2, 2024 (1:46 pm)
  
  bolo. Those yellow signs are ADVISORY ONLY signs put up by SDOT. Actual enforceable speed limit signs are white with black numbers. If the city was actually concerned about speed explain why they only put up an advisory sign.

AN November 1, 2024 (3:21 pm)

Not only is there different types of pavement in that section, but there is also a small dip as the road curves up and left that momentarily causes less traction on my rear wheels. This isn’t an issue if you’re going the speed limit, but on rainy days if you’re carrying too much speed you’re going for a spin. I hate to see these accidents all the time, but I’m never surprised.

Seattlite November 1, 2024 (3:23 pm)

Does speed factor into any of the mishaps on this section of the WS Bridge? I go 45mph which is the posted speed limit on the WS Bridge. When I approach and start to ascend into this section I always start reducing my speed knowing that the next speed sign posted is 30mph. Thus far, I have never had a problem driving this section during rainy or dry conditions.

Literally a sign 30mph for the curve on the bridge November 1, 2024 (9:31 pm)

I don’t know what to tell others who think it’s a good idea to go blazing through and then wonder why these flipped crashes happen.

Alan November 1, 2024 (3:27 pm)

I too experienced the hydroplaning effect on that inside lane coming up the west bound lanes. Best advice is to let off the gas pedal and coast through that area coming out of the curve even though you’re going uphill. It is bad pavement, no question about it!

D-Mom November 1, 2024 (3:38 pm)

I hit that curve right around the time of this crash, not sure if it was before or after. I was in the inside lane and yes, my wheels skidded a bit as I came around the turn. Very slippery there! Please take care!

Admiral-2009 November 1, 2024 (3:47 pm)

It’s a good time to check your tires, old tires with little tread are a hazard to all user’s of the street system.

J November 1, 2024 (4:27 pm)

I was coming up the bridge and a car in front of me was driving probably 60MPH weaving in and out of traffic. Then we came up to the accident site and this same car was forced to stop and wait in line to pass the rolled over vehicle. I then saw them pull the same stunts on 35th even going so far as to pass cars in the middle turn lane. It was pouring down rain the entire time. Despite having driven by the flipped car the idiot speeding obviously wasn’t going to slow down for anything or anyone! This feels like the new norm for roads now. Drivers who refuse to obey laws and selfishly put others at risk every time they get behind the wheel😡

Rooster November 1, 2024 (4:39 pm)

I hope those folks are ok. That’s a scary spot for sure. I lost a tiny bit of traction in that same spot in the heavy rain last night. I was going about 30 mph. Maybe I should have slowed down more..However, I think it’s also time to replace my tires which could be a factor.

Vee November 1, 2024 (4:56 pm)

Sorry but people speed on the bridge and ramps, it’s terrible, even in the rain, I had a truck pass mr in the rain the other day where there were pools of water , amazed he didn’t get in an accident and the curve up to Fauntleroy with limit of 30, people go way over

ITotallyAgreeWithYou November 1, 2024 (5:03 pm)

There is an inherent problem with the pavement at that curve, period. Sure, how someone is driving and (probably vehicle weight and condition of tires) probably contribute to an individual’s experience. But enough of us have experienced the issue at various speeds and conditions and approaches to know it’s the pavement. I too take it slow knowing the history and even at 30mph, taking the curve calmly and with control, I have felt my tires lose traction in that spot. Like someone advised above, I ease off the gas as I climb the hill and then once clear of that area, slowly pick up speed so I don’t slip. But I am holding my breath until I’ve cleared. I would urge the community to gather previous and future data and testimony and invite city reps to their next neighborhood meeting to discuss, send a collective letter or petition to the appropriate people, and otherwise organize to get this resolved. This is going to take an organized effort driven by us.

Seattlite November 1, 2024 (5:18 pm)

Since Rob Saka’s number one job is to protect citizens, can he do anything to get SDOT’s attention in solving this dangerous section of the WS Bridge?

Westie November 1, 2024 (7:48 pm)

No, Rob Saka is too busy ear marking $2MM to get rid of traffic calming measures on Delridge that no one but he wants (so he can drop his children off at daycare easier) instead of getting money for useful projects that are important for public safety. Repeal Saka.
- Silas November 2, 2024 (6:25 am)
  
  Can’t argue that self serving measure but the alternative was far worse. I will say Rob your actions could cost you your job in the future. I voted for you but based on the above statement I may think twice down the road. Not a fan of those useless speed bumps down by alki and hearing of your desire for an expensive turf field that the P&R Department stated was no going to work is all leading me to second guess my vote. Back to the topic of the curve. Agreed no sure the sense in only doing a portion of the road coating. Also tires are only good for 5 years max 6.

Patrick November 1, 2024 (5:19 pm)

Newish (2015) AWD vehicle on newer (2023) winter rated tires, and I still fishtailed hard there today going about (~35mph) the speed limit. Usually flipped cars in WS make you go “omg really dude?” but in this case it’s totally and completely reasonable to have a lot of sympathy for that guy and his wrecked Ranger.https://open.spotify.com/track/6VymdOxfSqlnFFu9lYWFde?si=EFobLSDHR5-p0-raGQD2fg

DangerRanger November 1, 2024 (5:35 pm)

https://open.spotify.com/track/3VQu5RCYMFu2lMx4ZHqMvD?si=xVr8f3uCS3CGNlSNRaulYg

Dave November 1, 2024 (5:35 pm)

The cross slope of the roadway is off where the grooves meet the old pavement. You can feel it driving over it even in dry weather. SDOT should know this and fix it by “shimming” the pavement there.

Suzanne November 2, 2024 (9:34 am)

Please report this to Find It Fix it. You might save a life. Clearly this is exacerbated by an engineering issue in the pavement.

Sillygoose November 1, 2024 (5:42 pm)

This is not on the curve this is just after you merge on leaving WS. See the pedestrian bridge ahead. We don’t need “Spend It All Saka to waste any more tax dollars!! Drivers need to drive get off your phones!!

bill November 1, 2024 (9:41 pm)

The pedestrian bridge is “ahead” whenever you are heading toward it. The article states and the photos confirm this is the westbound side just after the curve.

Hammer in Hand November 1, 2024 (7:22 pm)

I have driven this road way for 50 plus years in all kinds of weather and conditions. And have never had an issue in this area or any other area for that matter. People have gotten so aggressive. The roads have become a race track of Indy type drivers. With the “get out of my way” attitude. There are posted signs that warn of slippery when wet conditions but the signs don’t control the car. Just slow down, choice and consequences every action has an opposite and equal reaction Bring back the traffics unit and start writing tickets.

Marcus November 2, 2024 (1:48 am)

Another 50 year driver here and I agree. People do not consider road conditions anymore or even look for road conditions. They just drive fast and then blame anyone and anything other than themselves. Keep your tires with good treads, slowdown and stop being distracted by gadgets. This is not going to stop anytime soon.

CJ November 1, 2024 (7:49 pm)

In addition to AN’s assessment of contributing factors detailed below another issue is oil, diesel and antifreeze that drip from passing vehicles that gets washed downhill during rains and creates a slippery concoction causing a loss of traction in that corner.

Not only is there different types of pavement in that section, but there is also a small dip as the road curves up and left that momentarily causes less traction on my rear wheels

PB November 1, 2024 (8:44 pm)

I was the first person to pull behind him after the accident. I was able to get his door open and get his seatbelt off to get him down (he was hanging upside down). He is lucky he had a seatbelt on and that the door was able to be wedged open. Most importantly, he seemed to be mostly ok other than some shock and minor injuries. Please slow down on that curve and tell your kids to. It’s dangerous!

1994 November 1, 2024 (9:56 pm)

Looks like a temporary license plate? Maybe the truck was new for the driver?

Steve November 2, 2024 (12:18 am)

Running problem that the Seattle metro area has some of worst signage and speed adjustments. SDOT/WADOT engineering doesn’t solve problems they make them.

Scarlett November 2, 2024 (6:55 am)

With a fraction of the money we’re spending for this light rail monolith, we could pour into dramatically improving and expanding bus transit. As good as it is, we’ve onlys scratched the surface of its potential. Bus transit is flexible, with greater frequency, stops and canvasses a neighborhood like West Seattle far, far better than light rail. And, it gets people out of single occupancy cars, reducing traffic congestion and these types of accidents. But then, people are generally attracted to bright shiny objects.

my two cents November 2, 2024 (10:37 am)

@Scarlett … bright and shiny objects like the previous Monorail idea, or are we thinking SkyLink still?
Derek November 2, 2024 (10:41 am)

Scarlett the epidemic of flipped cars all over west Seattle (not only here) is an argument FOR light rail. You could fix this pavement with Saka’s Barrier Gate. Also please get your funding down because this is SDOT not Sound Transit.

TurboTommy November 2, 2024 (9:11 am)

One would think this curve would be problematic for eastbound drivers due to gravity working against them. However the grooved pavement is quite effective at maintaining traction. It seems SPD has some work to do so that westbound enjoys the same safety that eastbound drivers do.HOWEVER, speed plays a critical role in these incidents and it would be nice for all of us if drivers would follow posted speed limits. As someone who tends to observe speed limits i see all the time drivers who zoom across the bridge and want to accelerate up the hill into the curve. They pay no attention to the posted signs, and appear to take offense at open road ahead of them.Maybe we need better signage. Maybe SPD should extend to gooved surface through the corner. Maybe drivers need to chill out and remember we are all racing to the same red light.

Sunny.206 November 2, 2024 (12:14 pm)

I thought a yellow sign is advisory only, not the speed limit, and you couldn’t be ticketed for it? I get it. The yellow signs are there for a reason and people should abide by them, but it’s not a law.

CarDriver November 2, 2024 (1:39 pm)

Sunny.206. You are correct. the yellow speed signs are advisory only. The only enforceable (with a ticket) speed signs are white with black numbers.
Seattlite November 2, 2024 (2:50 pm)

True. However, an advisory speed limit sign should always be taken seriously. It prompts common sense decisions in those drivers who have no common sense. For example, drivers who are perpetually speeding, ignoring all speed limit signs, and get upset when their speeding is noted or results in accidents have no common sense.
bolo November 3, 2024 (10:36 am)

Evidently after Covid they are all advisory, as are signals, stop signs, double yellow lines, crosswalks, sirens, etc. Not even advisory. Actually more like “You may also like to consider…”

Simon November 2, 2024 (3:30 pm)

My friend got in a similar accident this time last year in the same exact spot, same accident. It was wet and his truck tipped. Clearly a problem at that curve that needs to be resolved, not even with signs but with fixing the pavement, where the old meets the new. Not entirely the drivers fault

Steve November 2, 2024 (9:04 pm)

The speed limit does not change until after both curves. One of which is a blind corner. Brilliant. People treat the bridge like it’s part of I5. It’s a 40 zone east of 99 then 45mph. Even then the DOT needs a speed reduction before the first westbound curve. What people don’t realize is that just like going up Admiral – YOU ARE RACING TO A STOPLIGHT! SLOW DOWN! Like how much time do you think you’re saving, Racey McRacerton.