(Reader photos)

4:05 PM: Thanks for the tips and photos. There’s no SFD callout for it so far, but as shown, there’s been another crash near the Welcome to West Seattle sign toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge.

The images show only that pickup truck, but someone called us saying it appeared two vehicles were involved. Yet another texter says the dividers are pushed out of place – something someone else had reported earlier this afternoon (we advised them to be sure and report it to 911 as that’s a safety hazard) – we don’t know whether that was fixed before this happened.

4:13 PM: We’ve received even more reader photos and reports just in the few minutes since publishing this. One person confirms, “This was the 2nd accident there in the last 2 hours as on the way out there was another van at the side of the road and Jersey Barriers pushed over to the eastbound lanes.”

10:49 AM: Seattle Fire is sending a “rescue extrication” response to the westbound West Seattle Bridge, near the Fauntleroy end, where a driver is reported to have hit a pole and might be trapped in their vehicle, reported to be a (updated) 1999 Toyota 4Runner. Updates to come.

10:53 AM: First arriving firefighters confirm the driver is trapped and will have to be cut out of the vehicle.

10:58 AM: Responders say the westbound bridge is closed at the scene, so if you’re heading westbound, you’ll likely be routed off sooner.

11:03 AM: Firefighters report they have extricated the driver, who’s reported to be “alert and conscious” and will be taken to a hospital. Adding reader photo above, showing the vicinity of where the emergency vehicles are – same area that has been the scene of multiple crashes.

11:21 AM: Police just told dispatch both lanes have reopened at the crash site. The driver was taken to Harborview Medical Center.

12:41 PM: Added another reader photo above (sent by Andrew), just before the wrecked vehicle was removed. SFD, meantime, tells us the driver is a woman in her early 80s, in serious condition when transported.

8:24 PM: Thanks for the tip. Police and medics are on the westbound West Seattle Bridge near the Delridge offramp because of a motorcycle crash. Updates to come.

8:27 PM: Medics just told dispatch the rider did not survive.

8:38 PM: Police just confirmed the death.

8:50 PM: We missed the original dispatch, so we’re checking the archived audio for any other details. No other vehicle reported involved, so far; initial dispatch was “motorcyclist vs. jersey barrier … right at the Delridge exit.”

(WSB photo)

10:20 PM: As a commenter noted, the motorcycle was toward the end of the Delridge offramp, by Fire Station 36. Our photo above is what we could see from under the bridge. Meantime, SPD has posted about this, but no additional details; they’re asking anyone who might have information to call the Traffic Collision Investigation unit at 206-684-8923.

1:51 AM: SPD has since updated its post to say the rider who died was a 42-year-old man. This is the first deadly collision in West Seattle in five months, since the October 30 one-car crash in Seaview that killed 31-year-old Riley Kestner.

ADDED 3:59 PM: The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the crash victim as Kristopher M. Griebe.

5:30 PM: Big response for a crash on the westbound bridge near the 1st Ave exit. SFD is extricating one injured person from one of the vehicles. If you’re headed southbound from downtown, staying on I-5 and using the exit that’ll get you to the 1st Ave So. Bridge is a better choice.

5:37 PM: They’ve rescued the trapped person.

5:41 PM: SFD says the injured person is in stable condition and will be taken to a hospital.

6:30 PM: SDOT’s traffic center says the scene has cleared.

(Reader photo, Sunday)

We promised that after another flipped-car crash toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge last weekend, we’d ask SDOT for an update on what they told us a month and a half ago, that they had a “plan to add safety enhancements” before year’s end. However, this plan apparently hasn’t solidified, as the answer we got today to the request Monday for timeline etc. was:

We’re continuing to explore potential safety improvements. Our team is working on next steps and will provide updates as plans progress.

We’re trying again to see if they can get a little more specific.

Thanks for the tip on this one. It’s also on the westbound bridge, but not what some refer to as “the usual spot” – this is between the crest and the Delridge exit.

12:29 PM: An emergency response toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge is for a flipped Jeep, per a reader.

12:58 PM: Log shows SFD cleared fairly quickly, indicating no major injuries.

2:29 PM: Thanks to Jackie for sending the photo, which shows that this happened in what’s been a crash-plagued spot; SDOT has said it’s “monitoring” that location, so we’ll check again tomorrow.

6:45 PM: Added above, another reader photo. Meantime, SFD tells us that firefighters/medics “assessed” a 65-year-old man but he did not need to be taken to the hospital.

(WSB photo, March 2020),

Many news outlets have been looking back at the pandemic-related closures, five years later. If you were here in 2020, you know another shutdown compounded the shock for West Seattleites: On March 23, 2020, the city announced the West Seattle Bridge had to be shut down for safety reasons, and hours after the announcement, it was. (Here’s our as-it-happened coverage of the announcement.) No one knew that day how long the closure would last; the bridge didn’t reopen until two and a half long years later, on September 17, 2022. Those years went by with drivers clogging detour routes, particularly through Highland Park on the way to the 1st Avenue South Bridge (and if not for people working and studying at home, it would have been worse). To mark today’s shutdown anniversary, we asked SDOT this past week about the bridge’s status and condition. Here are the results of our email Q&A:

WSB: When was its most recent inspection and how did it do?

SDOT: The most recent inspection was completed in January 2024. The findings from this inspection report did not identify any changes from the previous inspection. With these positive findings we moved the frequency of bridge inspections back to a 24-month routine inspection cycle consistent with Federal guidelines for routine bridge inspections. Data from the monitoring system that was installed on the bridge will continue to be reviewed and compared with past data to see if there are any changes.

WSB: Has anything changed?

SDOT: Nothing has been observed that would trigger any follow up evaluation.

WSB: Any new cracks or other situations you’re watching?

SDOT: There are no new cracks identified. Existing cracks that were previously noted show no signs of progression.

WSB: What’s the status of the planning for the replacement someday? Is that just on the shelf or does it get taken out for an update meeting now and then so it’s always standing by?

SDOT: Based on inspections and data from the monitoring system since the repairs were completed, the bridge is performing as expected and is anticipated to continue doing so for the foreseeable future. We will continue to inspect and monitor the bridge and perform any necessary maintenance work to keep the bridge operational. The pre-planning replacement work that was completed during the design phase for the repairs is filed and remains readily available as foundational reference material if future corridor needs arise, including addressing functional obsolescence or determining if replacement is necessary.

March 23, 2020, was also the day that – two and a half hours after the West Seattle Bridge shutdown announcement – then-Gov. Inslee announced his stay-home order. (If you want to see the entirety of what we covered that day – dominated by pandemic-related info – you can scroll through this one-day archive.)

5:48 PM: The bright lights in the upper left of that cropped screenshot from SDOT’s West Seattle Bridge camera mark yet another crash on the westbound side of bridge today. No SFD dispatch so apparently no injuries. But one tipster says they saw, when passing going the other way, “two police vehicles, bashed-up pickup at peak of bridge,” plus the traffic backup.

5:57 PM: We haven’t heard yet whether the scene has cleared, but the live camera shows that the backup has.

7:39 PM: There’s yet another crash that police are handling right now, closer to the curve than the aforementioned one, according to radio traffic. We’re mostly just making note so we can follow up with SDOT yet again on Monday.

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.

10:31 PM: If you have to head eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge any time soon, you might consider waiting a while – a crash response near the 1st Avenue South exit has blocked all eastbound lanes, according to police. SFD is checking on whether anyone’s hurt. Keep in mind the 99 tunnel’s overnight closure has just started, so that’s not a viable option right now if you need to head beyond downtown.

10:43 PM: Police report SFD has cleared – indicating no injuries of note – so the bridge is partly reopened; they’re awaiting tow trucks for the two vehicles involved.

11:32 PM: Officers just radioed that “the bridge is clear.”

(Reader photo from November 1, 2024, crash)

After another round of crashes in early January near the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge – by the welcome sign, sculptures, and pullout – we asked SDOT what they were doing to evaluate the site and potentially take action. Comment discussion has centered on whether a pavement change is a factor, and/or whether speed is the major problem, and/or possibly certain vehicle types. SDOT’s first reply was that they were looking into it. We followed up again, and this afternoon received this update:

Our pavement engineers and Vision Zero team met recently to discuss this issue.

This year we plan to add safety enhancements to encourage drivers to approach the curve at a safer speed. We are currently considering various treatments such as warning signs, raised pavement markings, and/or reflective markings.

If the pattern continues after those safety enhancements have been made, we are looking into the feasibility of two possible methods to increase the traction of the pavement in this area either by grinding down the top layer of pavement or adding a high-friction surface treatment. We’re considering the pros and cons of each option to determine if either one makes sense in this area. Either option would need to be scheduled at some point a little further out in the future after considering resources, crew availability, weather, and traffic impacts for drivers.

We don’t have stats on how many crashes have happened along that stretch – even our archives show crashes that aren’t reflected on the SDOT collision-info map.

5:27 PM TUESDAY: Thanks to the multiple readers who have forwarded this announcement sent to Chief Sealth International High School families:

Dear Chief Sealth International families and staff,

We are writing to share some important personnel information with you.

At approximately 3 a.m. Sunday, Principal Ray Garcia-Morales was arrested by the Seattle Police Department for driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. He was immediately placed on administrative leave until further notice.

According to court records, no charges were filed, and the case has been closed. As this is a personnel issue, further details are confidential to protect privacy rights.

Assistant Principal Hope Perry will be stepping in to serve in his absence. Please feel free to reach out to her with school-related questions.

As other questions arise concerning this sensitive matter, please send them to publicaffairs@seattleschools.org.

Sincerely,

Bev Redmond
Chief of Staff
Seattle Public Schools

Looking at the case documents, the incident number matches the one in the West Seattle Bridge flipped-car crash we reported early Sunday.

(SDOT camera image, early Sunday)

We had updated the story yesterday when police confirmed the driver was arrested for DUI and reckless endangerment – and as we finished writing this story, SPD confirmed the 47-year-old Garcia-Morales was that driver. Jail records say he was booked into jail Sunday morning and released Monday evening. The case documents note that the City Attorney’s Office declined to file charges now but could still in the future.

ADDED 11:50 AM WEDNESDAY: The documents that were available online when we first got word of this Tuesday evening did not include report narrative. Some readers have since mentioned a citywide outlet that apparently had word of the case earlier, including the police-report narrative suggesting this was more than just a crash case. Report narratives aren’t available online but SPD provides some at reporters’ request, and we were able to obtain this one this morning.

The officer writing the report says they found “Suspect 1” standing next to the overturned Toyota Highlander and writes (exact quote from what SPD provided us):

Suspect 1 stated that he was driving and took the turn too fast. Suspect 1 denied anyone else being in the vehicle, and denied drinking alcohol. I noticed Suspect 1’s eyes were bloodshot.

When Officers told Suspect 1 that 911 callers stated they saw a female exit and run away from the vehicle after the collision, Suspect 1 denied any knowledge of anyone else being in the vehicle. Suspect 1 denied medical aid, officers noticed an abrasion on the left side of Suspect 1’s neck traveling from his neck to his head above his ear.
Officers noticed that Suspect 1 was a large male, and that the drivers seat was pushed so far forward, that it would be unreasonable for Suspect 1 to fit in the drivers seat. Additionally the drivers seatbelt was locked from the collision, and the passengers seatbelt was fully redacted into the seatbelt device.

Due to the above factors, Officers believed that Suspect 1 was not driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, and was released with a business card.

Officer Gregory and I decided to go to the registered owner’s address (redacted) to potentially locate the driver and/or owner. The registered owner of the Toyota was listed as VICTIM.

Upon arrival of the listed registered owners address, we were allowed into the residence by Victim, we verified her identity at the residence, by name and date of birth. Victim stated her and Suspect 1 were at a party in Capitol Hill where Suspect 1 was drinking alcohol, and that she noticed Suspect 1 falling asleep, so she suggested they go home. Victim stated this upset Suspect 1, who began calling Victim a “b—h”.

Suspect 1 got in the drivers seat and drove Victim after the party in Capitol Hill. Victim video tapped Suspect 1 driving because she was afraid of him. This was later verified and time stamped at 23:41, Victim was sent an axon link for the video. Before they got onto I-5 they switched seats.

At the listed location of the crash, Suspect 1 opened the passenger side door, Suspect 1 told Victim “do you wanna die”, then Suspect 1 grabbed and pulled the steering wheel causing the Toyota to overturn. Victim also stated that Suspect 1 has abused animals in the past.

Victim stated she fled the scene because she was scared of Suspect 1. Victim stated that Suspect 1 has been verbally abusive in the past, and has abused the family dog before, and that there was a prior incident back in 2017-18 between them.

The rest of the narrative says Garcia-Morales was arrested at a relative’s house in Burien, on suspicion of reckless endangerment, because of what the victim told them. They added DUI to the investigation because of the victim’s aforementioned video showing him driving after they left the party. (The reference to an “axon link” is technology through which people can upload video if involved in a specific SPD case.) The report says deputies brought him from Burien to West Seattle, and from there he was booked into King County Jail. This case was initially handled through the Municipal Court system, and as noted, he was released without charges being filed by the City Attorney’s Office, but with very clear messaging that charges are still a possibility in the future:

Notice to the Defendant:

The Seattle City Attorney’s office is not filing criminal charges against you at this time. You will be released today without conditions. However, the City Attorney’s office may file charges against you in the future in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington.

6:59 PM: Thanks for the tips. Avoid the eastbound high bridge for a while; there’s a major police response blocking lanes, reported to involve a person in crisis.

(Added: Cropped screenshot of 35th/Fauntleroy camera showing SPD blocking EB side)

7:14 PM: Police are telling dispatch they will be shutting down the entire eastbound bridge because traffic noise is preventing them from talking with the person they’re trying to help.

7:38 PM: Police just told dispatch they have brought the person safely out of danger and they’ll be taken to a hospital for evaluation. The bridge will be reopening.

7:56 PM: Eastbound bridge now fully reopened, officers told dispatch.

If you are, or someone you know is, contemplating self-harm, the 988 hotline is available 24/7.

12:07 AM: SFD ad SPD are on their way to the Fauntleroy end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge, where the live traffic camera shows a flipped car.

12:12 AM: According to emergency radio, whoever was in the car got out safely. A texter just sent this ground-level view:

The one SFD unit originally sent was canceled quickly, indicating no serious injuries.

12:31 AM: There’s also been no indication of another vehicle involved. Police remain on scene awaiting a tow truck.

12:43 AM: The tow truck has arrived, and they’re expecting to have to block traffic for a bit while the tow crew gets the car hooked up and righted.

1:02 AM: The car’s been towed and the scene is cleared.

8:11 PM: We followed up with SPD today and heard back tonight that the driver was arrested for investigation of DUI and reckless endangerment.

9:43 PM: Thanks for the tip. A crash scene on the westbound West Seattle Bridge near 99 continues to back up traffic. If you have to head that way, you might consider avoiding the bridge. SFD was there for a while earlier; we’re checking with them regarding injuries.

9:58 PM: SDOT says the scene is now clear.

11:30 PM: SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty says no injuries were reported.

9:53 AM: Thanks for the tip. The Delridge offramp from the westbound West Seattle Bridge is blocked by an emergency response right now. According to archived dispatch audio, it’s not a crash – it’s a driver experiencing a medical emergency. A bus has been allowed through but otherwise the exit will be blocked until the situation is resolved.

10:03 AM: SFD has cleared the scene.

(Reader photo from crash and fire January 3)

After multiple crashes (including this one and this one) weekend before last toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge – near the pullout by the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign and remaining “Walking on Logs” sculptures – we asked SDOT if they’re looking into that particular spot.

(January 5 photo from commenter SeaKev)

Though neither crash resulted in serious injuries, among other things, they had other effects – such as, both led to callouts for SDOT responders to come reset the jersey barriers that the crashes had knocked out of place, which required blocking traffic for a time. Meantime, here’s what SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson told WSB:

Thank you for bringing this pattern to our attention … we’re still working on this question for you. Our pavement engineers and Vision Zero team are looking into this location to better understand the history and current conditions and consider potential next steps.

Some commenters have wondered whether a change in pavement types at that spot is a factor in these crashes – or whether it’s just a speed problem – or maybe a risk faced by certain types of vehicles. Even a quick search of our archives shows crashes at that spot for years. (Side notes – the number of crashes in our archives outstrips what’s shown on the SDOT collision data map, if you’re looking for hard data. And the bridge has had at least one other focused trouble spot before.) We’ll continue checking back to see what SDOT eventually deduces.

10:39 PM: Police are dealing with another crash toward the Fauntleroy Way end of the West Seattle Bridge right now. Police are reporting the barrier pushed out of alignment again – we’re not sure which side the crash happened on, but the barrier is reported to be a hazard on the eastbound side. The vehicle reported to be involved was described as a Ford Ranger. No injuries reported, as SFD has not been dispatched.

(Image posted by commenter SeaKev)

10:58 PM: If you’re using that end of the bridge any time soon, note that there are short shutdowns as they reset the barrier (again).

11:25 PM: Officers have just told dispatch that all lanes are now open.

10:37 PM: SFD and SPD are headed for what’s been dispatched as a reported “four or five vehicle” crash on the westbound West Seattle Bridge near the Delridge exit, with one car “rolled over” and possibly on fire. Updates to come.

10:43 PM: Responders are arriving and telling dispatch this is closer to the Fauntleroy end. They’re also going to block westbound traffic until the fire is out, diverting drivers onto the Delridge exit. And they’re describing the burning car as on its side rather than totally flipped.

10:52 PM: Police now tell dispatch they’re not able to divert traffic off at Delridge, but hope to reopen 1 westbound lane past the crash scene in 10 minutes or so, “once SFD clears.”

11:09 PM: Just added a reader-texted photo (thank you!). The texter also says it was a one-car collision, with the other vehicles initially reported as involved actually having stopped to help. Meantime, firefighters have just told dispatch that the fire is out and one lane will, as promised, reopen momentarily.

11:36 PM: There may be another temporary delay in the area as the center barriers have to be reset after getting knocked out of alignment in the crash. Meantime, this video of what the car fire looked like from the north end of Delridge was posted by Cami MacNamara:

No injuries were reported.

If you see work vehicles parked atop the West Seattle Bridge, here’s why – the explanation is from SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson:

We want to let you know that over the next few weeks there will be work vehicles parked on the shoulder of the West Seattle Bridge as our contractor Kraemer North America works on the inspection platforms inside the bridge. This is the final checklist item to finish before we close out their contract.

We would like to reassure the public that there is no cause for concern and the bridge’s structural health monitoring system indicates that the repairs completed in 2022 continue to be holding strong.

Here’s the followup we published last September 17, the two-year anniversary of the bridge’s reopening following a two-and-a-half-year closure.

7:36 PM: The eastbound West Seattle Bridge is moving slowly right now by the exit for Highway 99 because two lanes are blocked by the response for what’s reported to be a one-vehicle crash. If you have to head that way, an alternate route is recommended, or wait a while until it’s cleared.

8:13 PM: Police have just told dispatch that “the bridge is back open.” We’re asking SFD about injuries.

(Photo courtesy Ash Grove Cement)

The industrial facilities on the Duwamish River often evoke a great amount of curiosity, and sometimes concern. Unless you work at one, they tend to be a mystery. One plant is offering to lift the veil a bit; we heard from plant manager Andy at Ash Grove Cement, just on the other side of the river and south of the West Seattle Bridge, asking if we could let you know they’re offering community tours starting next month:

When: Thursday afternoons from 1-2 pm. Starting January 2025.
Who: Anyone (above the age of 12) who is interested in learning more about what Ash Grove Cement does. Anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. We can accept up to 15 people per tour.
What: Depending on age, a full tour of the plant, including brief presentation on the cement-making process.
Why: Ash Grove Cement is the only cement plant in Washington state that takes the raw materials to produce cement. There has been a cement plant n the location for almost 100 years and the company would like to spend time with the community to allow them to see what we do firsthand.
How to RSVP: Reply to Allen Block, Environmental Manager, at allen.block@ashgrove.com. We’d like around 1 week’s notice.

Like other industrial facilities in the area, Ash Grove (3801 East Marginal Way S.) is regulated by a variety of agencies. One of them, Puget Sound Clean Air, has just extended the public-comment period for a requested change in how Ash Grove operates, involving the burning of tires as part of its kiln fuel (an industry alternative to fossil fuels) – you can read about it here.