Thanks for the tips. Another crash is reported at the trouble spot near the curve toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. Via text, Jeff describes it as “a mid-size SUV into the median barrier.” At least one westbound lane is blocked. Apparently no injuries reported, so far, as there’s no SFD dispatch.
Is there a name for this corner and is anyone keeping a tally on the number of crashes?
As much as some want to deny it there really is an issue with smooth pavement that should have and could have been fixed during the closure.
As linked above and reported previously, that seems to finally be on SDOT’s radar, though they have not yet committed to action.
Sure the city can and maybe should babysit the foolish and basically rubberize the road there but the main problem is people driving too fast for conditions.
Josh (babysit the foolish) – No it’s not “driving too fast for conditions” – at least not the first time someone unexpectedly hits the pavement twirlpool. I’ve spun out at 28 mph after hitting the incipient depressed pavement area in the first arc of the curve. Many others here have commented similarly. This is not a trump fake “common sense” issue. It’s real science.
If you lost control of your vehicle – then 28mph was too fast for conditions that day. (To be fair, it’s also happened to me, right there, at a similar speed – but I had a different takeway apparently.)
Definitely a tricky spot, and one I am very aware of every time I approach it.
More accidents on this section of roadway than any other in Seattle over last 12 months. The barrier’s were pushed (about a foot)into eastbound lanes when we drove through at 10am this morning. Wouldn’t be surprised to see SDOT put speed bumps or make it one lane in that area as it seems that’s there answer for everything these days and what they like spending levy money on……;) In all seriousness I hope SDOT fixes properly before someone gets killed.
I was behind the vehicle that hit the barrier. It was a minivan not a suv. A few other vehicles pulled over to speak with police. I don’t understand why people are jumping to blame this on the road or sdot. This wasn’t due to road conditions because it wasn’t even raining or heavy puddles. Drivers need to pay attention, stop speeding and stop driving if they can’t drive properly. Speed + road conditions + a curve = collisions like these.
I consider myself a very careful and conservative driver, and I have excellent tires. I have not slipped, let alone spun out there, but I absolutely sense how one could. You go from a high-friction grooved surface to a curve with both a dip and a worn slick surface. Many has been the time I’ve wondered how the faster moving cars around me can stay on the road. Add rain or frost and it’s treacherous. Please be careful out there!
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