West Seattle, Washington
05 Sunday
Two West Seattle Bridge notes:
WESTBOUND TROUBLE SPOT: After yet another crash Thursday night where the westbound West Seattle Bridge meets the ramp from southbound Highway 99, we inquired again with SDOT, which had told us after the first four crashes that it couldn’t figure out any particular problem there. In the meantime, we received this dash-cam video today from a reader who reported being involved in Thursday night collision – you’ll see it about :30 in:
Also, in a comment on last week’s crash report, a reader posted this link to a compilation of traffic-cam video from the prior recent incidents. Meantime, here’s the reply sent by SDOT today in response to our Friday inquiry:
We continue to monitor the area after each request. We have not found any construction related issues as we have not worked there since the opening of the bridge in September. Given the number of crashes to date, those vehicles could be leaving oil and other fluids on the roadway. We will take a closer look at this on nights this week as we will be doing work on the West Seattle Bridge. While we do that work we will take a closer look at the trouble spot again and will try to get a sweeper if available, to pass over the area.
(As we were writing this, an SPD dispatcher told officers they’d received a call about a new problem at that same spot, but we watched the live video camera as SDOT’s control center scanned the area looking for evidence of a crashed or stalled car, and none was found.)
OVERNIGHT WORK: Regarding the aforementioned work, here’s that SDOT announcement:
We will be conducting overnight closures of westbound lanes on the West Seattle Bridge Tuesday, November 8 through Thursday, November 10 to complete sign installation and adjustment work.
11:00 p.m. Tuesday – 5:00 a.m. Wednesday: Right hand lane and off-ramp to Harbor Island closed for westbound travelers on the Spokane St Viaduct approaching the West Seattle bridge.
11:00 p.m. Wednesday – 5:00 a.m. Thursday: All westbound travel lanes on the Spokane St Viaduct approaching the West Seattle bridge closed. Access to westbound lanes on the West Seattle Bridge from southbound SR-99 will be maintained during this period.
11:00 p.m. Thursday – 5:00 a.m. Friday: All westbound travel lanes on the Spokane St Viaduct approaching the West Seattle bridge closed. Access to westbound lanes on the West Seattle Bridge from southbound SR-99 will be maintained during this period.
A signed detour route, directing travelers across the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge) will be in place during the closure. Once work is complete, all westbound travel lanes on the bridge will be restored.
10:53 AM: The report and photo are from Ian:
FYI for riders: Someone scattered a bunch of screws along the bike path/sidewalk between T-18 and Marginal. I kicked as many as I could aside but just kept finding more and more…
Ian reported this to the city via Find It Fix It. We also advised contacting SDOT directly by phone – 206-684-ROAD – as it’s an immediate safety hazard.
5:07 PM: Just after noon, Grant Slatton tweeted this photo and update (and has given us permission to repost):
I am down here now dragging around a giant magnet. Also found some on the low bridge bike path.
(SDOT image via Twitter, Saturday morning)
After that bus hit a barrier on the westbound West Seattle Bridge near the ramp from southbound 99 on Saturday morning, it was attributed to the driver swerving to avoid another vehicle. But it wasn’t the only crash that day in the same spot – and it was followed by at least two others days later. In comment discussions, other drivers have mentioned something seemed awry when they drove through that same section. So we asked SDOT if the department planned to investigate. We heard back late today from SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson, who said it’s a mystery so far:
After these crashes occurred, we sent one of our inspectors to take a closer look at roadway conditions in this location. They verified that all of the signage, road markings, and pavement was in good condition. Our inspector did not see any standing water in this location, although it is possible that it was wetter at the time of the incidents. We did not make any changes to the road in this location during the West Seattle Bridge closure which would alter how people approach or drive over this particular spot.
While it’s difficult for us to determine a specific cause for this series of collisions, now that this trend has been identified we’ll be aware of the location if we see similar crashes in the future. If we do see an ongoing trend, we’ll continue to consider what we can potentially do to address it.
We also typically see an increase in crashes in rainy weather, especially when it first starts to rain after a relatively dry summer. So we would like to remind all drivers at this time of year to slow down and be extra cautious when driving in the rain, and to make sure to take care of any safety-related car maintenance issues like replacing worn-out tires or windshield wipers.
If you encounter a specific problem there (or on any other city street, which is what The Bridge is) and want to contact SDOT about it, they’re at 206-684-ROAD.
(WSB file photo)
As reported here two weeks ago, SDOT says the Alki Point “Healthy Street” is permanent – Alki Avenue SW west of 63rd SW, and Beach Drive SW north of 63rd SW. The city says it will become a Neighborhood Greenway, and that the next step is to talk with the community about its design. So they’ve set two events for that – an in-person open house 6:30-7:45 pm Wednesday, November 9, at Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), and an online open house noon- 1 pm Tuesday, November 15 (no link yet). In both cases, SDOT says it’ll show the “early design” concept, answer questions, and take comments. (Here’s how last year’s survey turned out.) Possible “traffic-calming” elements, according to a project update that’s going out today, include a raised crosswalk and traffic circle. If you can’t make it to either event, they’ll be taking comments by email/phone until December 9th – alkikeepmovingstreet@seattle.gov or 206-727-3565. The project was also mentioned recently by the Alki Community Council as an agenda item at their next meeting (7 pm Thursday, November 17).
Last month, new SDOT director Greg Spotts talked with the West Seattle Transportation Coalition (WSB coverage here); now, he’s scheduled as the spotlight guest for this month’s meeting of HPAC, the community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge. Got a question about which way the transportation policy in the city is going? This is your chance to ask – or just to listen to what he has to say, with so many transportation issues having emerged or intensified in the HPAC neighborhoods during the bridge closure. The meeting will be held online at 7 pm Wednesday (October 26th); video/call-in info is on the HPAC website, along with details of what else is on the agenda. All welcome.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE: HPAC says Spotts had to cancel due to a conflict.
Back on Thursday, we reported that SDOT hoped to have crews out this weekend working on the changes to California/Findlay that are accompanying its new pedestrian-activated “half-signal.” This morning we saw those crews at work; tonight, we noticed the signal is now activated. It cycled through a red-light period as we approached; we’ll be checking with SDOT tomorrow to see if it’s fully operational. The “paint and post” curb bump-outs are installed, as our photo shows, but the concrete median on the south side of the intersection is yet to come.
(SDOT photos)
After reporting last weekend that the California/Findlay “half-signal” was taking shape, we followed up with SDOT to get the timeline for completion of the installation – including other traffic-calming features – and activation. We finally got some information from SDOT today, after crews spent part of the day out at the intersection marking the layout for the street changes including a median island (top photo) and painted curb bulbs.
SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson says the median and curb bulbs will be installed after the pedestrian-activated signal is up and running, As for how soon that will be, he says as soon as possible, but they need to complete electrical work, which could happen this weekend if there’s a break in the expected rainy weather. He says the road markings could be painted as soon as this weekend, too. (Here’s backstory on the project.)
Thanks to Kimm for the photos. It’s not yet activated, but framework for the California/Findlay “half-signal” has been installed.
It’s been almost four months since SDOT told neighbors they would install the pedestrian-activated “half-signal” at the intersection. Neighbors had been pushing for more safety measures at the intersection even before the May hit-run crash that killed 30-year-old Nicholas Wolf just north of the intersection. In addition to installing the stoplight, SDOT said in June that it would be “implementing a painted curb bulb in the southeast and northwest quadrants to improve sightlines for pedestrians crossing at the intersection, and installing a median island on the south leg of California Ave SW, in close proximity to the intersection to reduce the open feel of California Avenue SW, prevent the use of the center turn lane as a through lane, and potentially reduce vehicle speeds.” The report on the deadly May crash said the 16-year-old driver who hit and killed Wolf told police he was going “50 to 55 mph” at the time. We’ll be following up with SDOT tomorrow to check on the timeline for finishing the intersection work and activating the signal.
While some pandemic-related government actions are about to sunset, some are becoming permanent. Among them, a network of closed-to-through-traffic “Healthy Streets,” per this map published this week by SDOT:
What the city had called “Stay Healthy Streets” or “Keep Moving Streets,” originally implemented to create more room for socially distanced riding/walking/rolling, are now simply “Healthy Streets.” Most notable on the map is the declaration that the Alki Point stretch is now permanent, a status it hadn’t had until now. It was created in May 2020 – first the city announced it would close the northernmost end of Beach Drive to through traffic, then almost immediately, it added the westernmost end of Alki Avenue. Over the ensuing months and years, there have been surveys and petition drives, but never until now a final decision on its status. The city has long hinted, however, that it would be permanent, and solicited feedback on a “permanent design.” That too has been (mostly) decided, according to SDOT’s update, which refers to the design survey it circulated a year ago:
The design we’re moving forward with for public engagement is Option 1 from the survey: Stay Healthy Street + Neighborhood Greenway.
This design will upgrade the street to a Neighborhood Greenway and include additional elements of a Healthy Street. As part of the larger Healthy Streets program, we’ve also updated the name of the project to “Alki Point Healthy Street.”
In coming days, we’ll share information about public engagement events in November 2022. We’ll be hosting in-person and virtual events, so that the community has more than one option for attending and giving feedback on the Alki Point Healthy Street design.
If you have a request for our public engagement events in November, please email us at AlkiKeepMovingStreet@seattle.gov.
This is not West Seattle’s only Stay Healthy Street, but it was the one that generated the most discussion/controversy. The plans for the others are in links you’ll find here.
If you tried Flip Your Trip during the West Seattle Bridge closure, you know how the transit-rewards program works. Metro is now expanding it countywide, as announced today. The announcement explains you “can earn points and then redeem them for discounts on future trips, and bike- and scooter-share services.” To participate, you start by downloading the Transit GO app.
It’s Walk/Bike/Roll to School Day, and Arbor Heights Elementary participated enthusiastically. Some, even on roller skates, like Lilian:
Arbor Heights students were met on arrival by principal Christy Collins and the Junior Seahawk:
Wednesday is early-dismissal day for Seattle Public Schools, so all those riders, walkers, and rollers will be heading home soon.
Thanks to Mary at AHES for inviting us to come cover the event! Story tips are always appreciated, at westseattleblog@gmail.com or, if it’s breaking news/happening now, voice/text our hotline, 206-293-6302.
(WSB file photo, Alki Elementary group bicycling to school)
Tomorrow you’re likely to see more students walking, riding, and rolling to school, as Wednesday (October 12) is the annual Walk/Bike/Roll to School Day. Many local schools are expected to participate by encouraging; we’ve heard from one, Arbor Heights Elementary, whose principal and vice principal will be greeting arriving students tomorrow morning. Anybody else? Let us know! The weather should be perfect.
The Washington State Transportation Commission – which among other things sets fares for state ferries – has a survey open about a possible addition to those fares. The WSTC says there’s been longstanding authorization for a fuel surcharge to be added to ferry fares if needed to cover a funding gap. So its survey asks what you think of that idea. The survey also asks whether WSF should focus more on moving vehicles or moving people. It’s open for another week and a half – until October 18th – and you can respond to it by going here.
One week ago, we reported that the proposal for a bicycle lane on the Highland Park Way hill – shelved in 2020 – had resurfaced in SDOT‘s application for federal grant money to fund a variety of “Safe Streets for All” projects. We asked SDOT a few followup questions. First, what happens to the project if the grant money isn’t received? SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson replied, “If we do not receive the Safe Streets for All grant, there is not another funding source identified to build this project.” An even-bigger question: What design is envisioned for the lane – which side of the street would it be on, and would it require removal of a general-traffic lane (as was envisioned in the previously shelved plan)? Bergerson’s reply: “We have not begun the design of this bike route. If we receive funding, we would engage the community on potential designs such as the two options you mentioned. We may also consider other possible alternatives like widening the existing trail.” As noted in our story last week, other West Seattle proposals listed in the grant application are mostly smaller projects such as curb ramps.
A new month means a new round of community meetings, and the newest announcement we’ve received is from West Seattle Bike Connections. They’re meeting online tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 4) and welcoming anyone interested in attending. WSBC’s Kate Wells says they plan to “discuss how to advocate for safer streets during the city’s budget process, learn how to get involved in the Seattle Transportation Plan, and more.” Info for how to attend/participate is in our calendar listing.
Back in 2020, not long after the West Seattle Bridge closed, SDOT unveiled a version of the Highland Park Way/Holden safety-improvements plan that included rechannelizing the HP Way hill – removing a northbound (downhill) lane and installing a protected bike lane on the southbound (uphill) side. This idea generated considerable community concern (partly but not entirely because the hill was a vital artery for bridge-detour traffic), and SDOT shelved it later that year. Now a bike-lane proposal for the hill is apparently back. We discovered this while reading SDOT’s grant-proposal document published here, part of an application for $30 million in federal funding. Most of what’s proposed for West Seattle in the Safe Streets For All proposal consists of small projects such as curb ramps. But on page 15, we found the bike-lane proposal, now described as “protected bike lane, east side, separated 2-way bike lane” on Highland Park Way between West Marginal and Holden. No design or rendering is featured in the document, so we’re checking with SDOT, including the question of whether this is planned regardless of grant-funding status. The new 2-way bike-lane proposal isn’t mentioned on SDOT’s HP Way/Holden project page, which recaps the scrapping of the previous idea and notes the community suggestion that the existing east-side roadside path be widened instead.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After last week’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting, we reported on the biggest news to emerge from it: Early traffic observations from the reopened West Seattle Bridge. New SDOT director Greg Spotts shared those during his guest appearance. Here’s what else he had to say, with both professional and personal details, plus some Q&A:
Spotts, confirmed by the City Council earlier this month, started by noting he’d heard of the remarkable way the West Seattle community came together to get through the 2 1/2-year West Seattle Bridge closure. He said his first hour on the job took him inside the bridge (and the low bridge, which he toured that day too):
(SDOT photo, September 7)
“It’s really impressive to learn about the engineering effort of a structure suddenly compromised and retrofit it so it’s going to last and be safe.”
(Photo by Ann Anderson – state ferry off Duwamish Head during recent smoky sunset)
Starting Saturday, Washington State Ferries will no longer charge people under 19 – with one exception. Here’s the reminder WSF sent today:
Starting Saturday, October 1, youth will board for free as a result of this year’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package. The law directs transit agencies to provide free fares for passengers 18 and under across the state.
The legislation applies only to youth riding as a passenger in a vehicle and those walking onto a state ferry. It does not include teenagers behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Drivers under 19 years old will continue to pay the adult vehicle and driver fare.
Because of this change, youth tickets are no longer available at self-serve kiosks and online. However, youth walking onto a ferry will still need a ticket or a valid ORCA card to board at terminals where one is currently needed. Terminal employees at the ticket booth can issue the free-fare youth tickets, which will be valid for two hours.
3:25 PM: What’s described as “emergency road work” on Columbia Street downtown – the “transit pathway” street – is causing delays on West Seattle-serving bus routes RapidRide C, 21, 55, 56, 57, 113, 120, 121, and 125. We’re checking to see how long it’s supposed to last.
4:46 PM: Another alert for bus riders, and other modes too – all but one lane is closed on 1st Avenue South just south of Safeco Field after a person was hit and killed. Metro says Route 21 is rerouting in that area.
5:26 PM: Updates on both:
-Detectives have finished investigating at the 1st Ave. S. scene and the street has reopened.
-On Columbia, here’s what SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali tells us: “There was a failed utility vault in the eastbound (bus lane). Crews are working to fix the issue. There is one-way traffic westbound only. Eastbound lane is closed to Metro. The Metro supervisor is onsite and has rerouted Metro bus. We are estimating that the eastbound lane will reopen (around 7 pm).”
7:34 PM: Update from SDOT’s Ethan Bergerson: “SDOT Crews have installed a steel plate to cover the failed utility vault, which is owned by Verizon, until more permanent repairs can be made. The eastbound transit lane is now open to buses.” He added this photo:
(WSB file photo of closed Route 37 stop)
When Metro announced plans for its fall “service change” earlier this month, it did not include the revival of West Seattle’s Route 37, suspended in March 2020. Readers wondered if it’s gone forever, so we followed up with Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer, who replied, “No final decision regarding the future of Route 37 has yet been made. Metro will continue to work with community and stakeholders to consider options for growing Metro service as resources become available and following adopted policy.” He added a side note of interest: “Any permanent route deletions or other major changes to Metro service are subject to approval by the King County Council.” Metro has revived other suspended routes, notably West Seattle’s Route 22, which was brought back last year.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The idea of widening the Fauntleroy ferry dock over the small public beach to its north that’s known as Cove Park is no longer under consideration.
That was the biggest news from last night’s meeting of the Community Advisory Group for Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy dock/terminal-rebuild project, the group’s first meeting in four months.
WSF said the second level of screening had narrowed the options down to two – rebuilding the dock/terminal with its current footprint, or expanding it, mostly by building it out further over the water. Here’s how the meeting went:
From Washington State Ferries – the Triangle Route is going down to one boat again:
Due to a lack of crew the M/V Issaquah will secure at 5:40 p.m. at Vashon. M/V Kitsap will become the #1 boat out of Vashon at 5:45 p.m. and will remain as the #1 vessel for the remainder of the service day. One boat service for the remainder of the service day.
We will continue to send updated travel information as it becomes available. Customers can check the online schedule for more information on scheduled upcoming sailings and also view the real-time travel map for live boat location information.
Issaquah was out of service much of yesterday with engine trouble.
5;26 PM: After being out of service all day with engine issues, leaving the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run with one boat, M/V Issaquah is out on sea trials right now. Washington State Ferries says that if it passes, it’ll be returned to service on the Triangle Route. If not, M/V Sealth will be moved to the run sometime tonight; it’s currently at Eagle Harbor, the WSF maintenance facility on Bainbridge Island. We’ll update when there’s a decision.
7:15 PM: WSF’s David Sowers just announced in the Community Advisory Group that Issaquah is returning to service.
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