TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Monday, MLK Day 2026, with West Seattle Bridge crash updates

9:30 AM: There’s a report of a four-car crash on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge near the 99 exit, right lane. Waiting for emergency responders to confirm on arrival – nothing visible on the traffic cam so far, in the fog.

9:35 AM: Crash confirmed. Via police/fire radio, one person was trying to walk/run away from the scene but was stopped by “bystanders” and is now being detained by police – possibly related to a different crash.

9:42 AM: Police tell dispatch that the right two lanes are blocked as is the exit to 99.

(Added: Video from Molly, passing the right lane with some of the aftermath)

9:56 AM: The ramp to 99 is open again; the bus lane is still blocked, officers just told dispatch. (Side note, SDOT’s traffic center does not seem to be on duty, as the traffic camera has not been turned to show this scene as would be usual; only thing you can tell fro the camera’s fixed westward angle is that it’s very foggy.)

10:33 AM: The camera shows traffic flowing again. We’ll be following up on injuries and the possible arrest.

Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, January 19, 2026, the holiday honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; schools are closed today.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast predicts another sunny day, high around 50. Sunrise at 7:49 am; sunset at 4:51 pm. (Next Sunday, the sun sets at 5 pm!)

(Sunday sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service today, fall/winter schedule, no holiday changes.

Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts page, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is on two-boat service today because of boat moves.

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today, no holiday changes.

PARKING HOLIDAY

*In neighborhoods with paid street parking, it’s free to park today.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: In addition to 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 (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

EO January 19, 2026 (10:16 am)

The crash looked rough and it was very clear that several cars involved didn’t have their headlights on in this fog. It’s honestly so infuriating that in a city that is dark and rainy for such a big part of the year, so many drivers refuse to turn on their lights. Such selfish behavior.

Actualperson January 19, 2026 (12:50 pm)

Don’t know that it’s selfishness but in newer cars the dash lights up when you start. For those drivers who don’t pay attention-and there’s a LOT they aren’t aware enough that their headlights don’t automatically turn on.
- k January 19, 2026 (3:48 pm)
  
  When I got my first car with the automatic headlight setting, there were now like four different pictures on the lever instead of just “on” and “off” (and brights a little lower). I think I drove that car for 3-4 months before I realized that what I thought were my headlights were actually running lights, and I was just driving around without headlights. Oops. I put it on “auto” now, because I’m clearly not qualified to sort out my own headlight settings.
- KBear January 19, 2026 (8:32 pm)
  
  There is no reason not to use your headlights. Newer cars have an auto setting. Slightly older cars have an alarm to turn them off. These aren’t the days when headlights would frequently burn out. Just use them all the time. Except for the high beams and fog lights. Those should never be used when there’s oncoming traffic.
First Person January 19, 2026 (3:07 pm)

I witnessed the crash and no headlights were involved. A single driver was completely out of control, spun out thru oncoming traffic and rolled his car. I hope everyone is ok (they all seemed to get out of their cars before we passed). Be careful with what you think is “very clear.” Geez.

anonymous January 19, 2026 (4:26 pm)

all of these are valid truths but, maybe people should take the time to read and learn about their vehicles, too many people assume “they got it” when actually, they don’t.call me old school but i look up basic functions of even my rental cars. we all have a responsibility to ourselves and everyone else on the road to be safe, right?hopefully, everyone lived from this crash. i drove by at the time that silver car looked like it had been crushed on all sides and saw one person with cuffs. it was terrible.

Molly January 19, 2026 (7:21 pm)

Props to the dude in white shorts in the video who was in a white Audi or BMW on the west bound side of the WSB- he jumped the divider and helped the accident while police and fire arrived. I don’t know who he is, but he obviously is a helper, and I’m thankful we have helpers in the community.

Michelle F January 19, 2026 (9:01 pm)

He was a former police officer and was so sweet and helpful looking me and my baby over to be sure we were ok. There were so many sweet helpers. Thank you to everyone who stopped and helped. I was in too much shock to get all your names, but thank you. (And yes. My headlights were on. And no. I was not rear ended because of my lights.)
- Molly January 20, 2026 (7:24 am)
  
  I saw you over your baby, and I was very worried based on what I saw of the wreckage. I am SO glad to hear you and your baby are okay!! I knew that headlights at zero to do with this accident, as it was light out during the time, even with fog. I’m so sorry that this happened to you. I hope that whomever is responsible was caught.
  - Michelle F January 20, 2026 (7:06 pm)
    
    Thank you Molly! I’m sorry I made it sound like you were blaming it on headlights. It was the other commenters who were. I appreciate your kindness in what was a horrible situation to find me and my baby in. If there is any way you could send me that video so I can send it to my insurance that would be very helpful too!

CBC January 20, 2026 (7:26 am)

I was right behind that accident when it occurred. I saw that little car zipping by at a high speed in the bus lane thinking “enjoy your ticket,” but then the accident. Figure it must have been a stolen car the way the driver tried to flee. Glad they stopped him. Shout out to the driver of the delivery van, he was the first to stop.

Sorry, comment time is over.