6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, September 27.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Clearing, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:03 am, while sunset will be at 6:55 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT & 1ST AVE. S. BRIDGE THIS WEEKEND

*Eastbound lanes are scheduled to close all weekend for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – but be aware that the schedule has changed without warning on past weekends, so check cameras before you leave. We’ll also do our best to catch if/whe work ends early so we can update

*Also this weekend, the 1st Avenue South Bridge has southbound lane closures both mornings, 6 am-noon.

*Regionally, here’s what’s happening.

ONGOING ROAD WORK

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

TRANSIT

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Late-night runs since it’s Friday.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Low Bridge – Looking west:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, September 26.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, chance of pm showers, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:02 am, while sunset will be at 6:57 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*Work IS scheduled tonight on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – the two left eastbound lanes are scheduled to close 7 pm tonight to 6 am Friday, with all eastbound offramps remaining open. (Then all three EB lanes are scheduled to close all weekend.)

*Speaking of the weekend, the 1st Avenue South Bridge has southbound lane closures both mornings.

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

TRANSIT

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Low Bridge – Looking west:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

3:20 PM: If you have to head to the eastbound bridge via Fauntleroy, wait a while or try a different access point further east; the Fauntleroy entrance is temporarily closed while SDOT crews rearrange barriers knocked into the eastbound lanes by an earlier westbound spinout. (The crash scene is clear, no injuries reported.)

3:26 PM: Crews got the job done quickly and the bridge entrance has reopened.

With another scheduled Spokane Street Viaduct half-closure this weekend, a newly announced plan for weekend lane closures on the 1st Avenue South Bridge could have extra impact, so we’re mentioning it today. This is a state-owned bridge, so the announcement comes from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) – routine bridge inspections are planned both mornings this weekend, Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29. On Saturday, 6 am-noon, crews will close the two right southbound lanes of the 1st Ave. S. Bridge; on Sunday, also 6 am-noon, crews will close the left southbound lane. The weekend SSV closure is planned for eastbound lanes, so there shouldn’t be much overlap, but we’re sending out the early FYI just in case.

8:53 AM: Crash reported at 42nd/106th in Arbor Heights – driver hit a utility pole. Intersection blocked westbound.

9:22 AM: Thanks to the reader who texted the photo. The driver is reported to have left the scene (though bleeding); the car checked out as “clear” (not stolen).

11:55 AM: However … checking the SPD X log, we now see the call classified as auto-theft-related.

1:13 PM: SPD confirms to us the car turned out to be stolen, and the driver hasn’t been found.

Earlier:

6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, September 25.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Rainy, breezy, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:01 am, while sunset will be at 6:59 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*No work tonight on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – the next scheduled lane closures are Thursday night (September 26).

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

TRANSIT

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Low Bridge – Looking west:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

8:41 AM: Texter says police are blocking SW Henderson between 18th and 20th. The SPD log indicates a response involving a stolen vehicle.

Earlier:

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, September 24.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s weather is expected to be somewhat summery before a fall storm arrives tomorrow: Mostly sunny, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:59 am, while sunset will be at 7:01 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*No work tonight on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – the next scheduled lane closures are Thursday night (September 26).

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

TRANSIT

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Low Bridge – Looking west:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

Updates on two major ongoing road-work projects:

THIS WEEK’S SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT PLAN: The resurfacing project continues. No work tonight, Tuesday night, or Wednesday night, SDOT says. Then:

Thursday Night (September 26)

EB Left Lanes Closure – 7:00 pm to 6:00 am
1st Ave S Off-Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off-Ramp Open
Eastbound bridge to Northbound SR-99 Ramp Open

Friday Night to Monday Morning (September 27-30)

Eastbound Full Lanes Closure – 7:00 pm to 5:00 am
1st Ave S Off-Ramp Closed
4th Ave S Off-Ramp Closed
Eastbound bridge to Northbound SR-99 Ramp Open

As for last weekend’s confusion over the SSV’s status, SDOT says they’d confirmed with the contractor Friday afternoon that work was planned all weekend – but “The contractor wrapped up their work on the westbound lanes earlier than expected.” (So much earlier that readers reported all lanes open by 9 am Saturday.)

ADMIRAL WAY BRIDGE: The next stage of the seismic-strengthening project will switch both lanes of traffic to the north side of the bridge, and SDOT says that is expected “on the week of October 18,” exact changeover date to be set when it’s a lot closer. Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge remains fully closed until the project is complete, likely early next year/

6:40 AM: Crash in the 2600 block of Harbor Avenue SW [vicinity map]. SFD reports driver hit a tree and had to be extricated from the vehicle; they’ll be taken to a hospital. Avoid the area for a while.

Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s the first weekday of fall, Monday, September 23. First day of fall quarter at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), so expect more traffic on 16th SW.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Becoming sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:58 am, while sunset will be at 7:03 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project has not announced this week’s work schedule yet; we should get an update by afternoon. Note, though, as evidenced last weekend, it’s subject to sudden change.

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides next month; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge. We’re awaiting a project-status update

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

TRANSIT

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” now available on weekends too. Check for alerts here.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Low Bridge – Looking west:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

(Screenshot from traffic camera, looking westward over Spokane Street Viaduct)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 4:55 PM FRIDAY: Even though the low bridge HAS reopened to all traffic, SDOT says there WILL be a change in the previously announced plan for lane closures on the Spokane Street Viaduct (the extension of the West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) this weekend, as the resurfacing project continues. Here’s the new plan:

Friday Night Through Monday – 09/20/24 to 09/23/24
NO EB CLOSURES AT ALL
WB Full Lane Closures – 10:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday

Here’s what that means, for that time period:

WB S Spokane St Viaduct – Closed from I-5 Interchange to SR 99.
S Columbian Way Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
NB I-5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
SB I-5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to S Columbian Way will remain open.
1st Ave S Off-Ramp – Closed (from WB SSV).
1st Ave S On-Ramp – Closed (to WB SSV).
Port of Seattle Terminals 5-18/Harbor Island/11th Ave SW Off-Ramp – Closed.

EB S Spokane Street Viaduct – All Lanes Open

No estimate yet of how much longer the project will last, but we keep asking.

11:32 AM SATURDAY: Though readers mentioned the I-5 ramps were closed early today, others have since pointed out that right now, there are NO lane closures. We’re trying to reach SDOT to find out what the plan is for the rest of the weekend.

4:23 PM SATURDAY: SDOT has tweeted that the work zone is “clear,” so it appears that means no more closures this weekend.

(Screenshot from low-bridge traffic camera)

2:56 PM: Just in from SDOT – the West Seattle low bridge just reopened to all traffic, almost six days after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a gate/barrier at high speed, damaging “the mechanical gate, lock mechanism, gate control panel, and sensors,” per SDOT. The low bridge’s foot/bike path reopened to users Sunday night, one day after the crash, but the mechanisms involved in safe operation of the rest of the bridge took five days longer. NOTE: Since the low bridge is open, SDOT’s announcement says, “Work on the South Spokane Street Viaduct will continue as planned with lane closures in both directions throughout the weekend.” (Details on that are here.)

4:42 PM: The SSV plan is changing independent of the low bridge reopening – no EB closures, full WB closure 10 pm tonight to 5 am Monday.

6:00 AM: This is the sixth day that the West Seattle low bridge is closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling) because of crash damage:

Here’s the newest info on the repairs. If the low bridge doesn’t reopen by the weekend, that’ll affect one of our area’s ongoing road projects:

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project has a weekend closure plan – as reported here – but that plan may change if the low bridge remains closed to drivers. We’ll update when SDOT decides. (5:03 pm update: The low bridge reopened this afternoon; here’s the SSV plan for this weekend.)

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge. We’re awaiting a project-status update

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

TRANSIT

Metro buses today – Regular schedule

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat,” which adds weekend availability starting this Sunday. Check for alerts here.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Becoming sunny, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:54 am, while sunset will be at 7:09 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday – Alice‘s sunset watch is Sunday night.)

(Thursday night sunset, photographed by Suzanne Krom)

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

6:03 AM: This is the fifth day that the West Seattle low bridge is closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling) because of crash damage:

Here’s SDOT’s newest update on the repairs.

This morning’s other notes:

TRANSIT

Metro buses today – Regular schedule

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Patchy morning fog, then partly sunny, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:53 am, while sunset will be at 7:11 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday.)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*SDOT made one change in this week’s plan for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project, adding work tonight – see the plan here.

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

STADIUM ZONE

Day game for the Mariners, 1:10 pm vs. NY Yankees

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

6:03 AM: Again today, we begin with the reminder that the West Seattle low bridge remains closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling):

No estimate yet how long it will be until SDOT finishes repairing “severe” crash damage to the gate and barrier at the edge of the east half of the low bridge (here’s our coverage of Saturday’s crash). Here’s SDOT’s newest update on the repairs.

This morning’s other notes:

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro buses today – Third weekday since the twice-yearly service change – West Seattle-area routes with changes are 60, 125, 131, and 132.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Cloudy, becoming sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:51 am, while sunset will be at 7:13 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday.)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*SDOT has made one change in this week’s plan for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project, adding Thursday night work – we’ve updated here. Tonight: Eastbound left lanes closed 7 pm-6 am, 1st and 4th exits open.

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

(SDOT photo)

4:57 PM: An SDOT crew has removed the low-bridge barrier “severely damaged” when a suspected drunk driver hit it at high speed Saturday evening (here’s our report on the crash). As explained yesterday, that was an important next step so they could take it to the repair shop and evaluate it to see whether it can be fixed or needs to be replaced. Once they’ve done that, SDOT will be able to estimate when the bridge can reopen to drivers; bicyclists and pedestrians can use it, but people in motor vehicles can’t. In addition to the barrier, the gate-control panel and wiring were damaged too, and those are being worked on. Since the barrier’s gone, here’s what’s in place across the bridge instead:

(SDOT camera screenshot)

If any other updates emerge tonight, we’ll add them here.

7:28 PM: SDOT has published an update, including this:

If the repairs are not completed before the weekend, crews would continue working on repairs over the weekend and we would reduce the scale of work on the nearby Spokane St Viaduct paving project to make sure that people have access to get on the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge from SODO.

You can read more – and see more photos of the damaged barrier – here.

Also, SPD published a blotter post tonight about the crash – no new information beyond what we’ve already reported here, but some photos taken that night by responders are part of it.

6:50 AM: Texter says 35th/Roxbury signal is malfunctioning.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: We start again with the reminder that the West Seattle low bridge remains closed to drivers (but open to people riding bicycles or walking/running/rolling):

SDOT says it’ll be closed at least several more days for repair of “severe” crash damage to the gate and barrier at the edge of the east half of the low bridge (here’s our coverage of Saturday’s crash). Here’s the latest on the repairs.

This morning’s other notes:

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro buses today – Second weekday since the twice-yearly service change on Saturday – West Seattle-area routes with changes are 60, 125, 131, and 132.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Rain on the way, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:50 am, while sunset will be at 7:15 pm. (The fall equinox is Sunday!)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*See this week’s plan for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project by going here. Tonight: Eastbound right lanes closed 7 pm-6 am, 1st and 4th exits open.

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

(SDOT photo: ‘Bent and twisted mechanical gate arm with damaged linear driver motor, wiring, warning lights, and control panel’)

Two days after a suspected drunk driver crashed into the arm and gate at the edge of the West Seattle low bridge’s east half, the bridge remains closed to drivers, and repairs are expected to last at least “several days,” per an update we just received from SDOT. The crash Saturday night sent the driver and a passenger to the hospital; the bike/foot path on the bridge reopened to users on Sunday night, but the repairs required before it can reopen to drivers are more complex. Here’s tonight’s update from SDOT:

SDOT engineers and maintenance crews continue to make repairs necessary to reopen the Spokane Street Swing Bridge to cars and trucks. Crew members may not be visible onsite all the time because much of the manufacturing and repair work is conducted offsite.

The damaged metal gate at the end of the bridge must be removed and will either be replaced or rebuilt in our mechanical repair shop. The impact critically twisted and bent the main metal tube which is the backbone of the mechanical gate. The electronics, motor, and locking pin linear drive motor inside the metal tube were also damaged in the crash. All these components are essential for safe bridge operations.

Due to the complex and precise nature of the work, crews are unable to repair the gate in its present location. We plan to remove the gate arm tomorrow and take it to our repair shop where the motors and moving parts can be dismantled, evaluated and repaired if possible. At the same time, other crew members will be focusing on repairing the damaged gate control panel and wiring.

As an extra precaution, we are ordering replacement parts in case the gate and or its electrical and mechanical components can’t be repaired, or if a replacement turns out to be the quicker and better option. Many of these mechanical parts are highly specialized and complex components which are not readily available locally and we are still waiting for confirmation from the manufacturer of some of the components.

It is not safe for drivers to use the bridge without a safety gate. Additionally, there are electronic sensors inside the mechanical gates which act as safeguards and prevent the bridge from operating without a functional gate.

We do not know the exact timeline when the repairs will be completed but expect the repairs to take several days. We will continue to provide in-depth updates as repairs continue.

Though drivers can’t use it, the bridge – formally known as the SW Spokane Street Swing Bridge – is able to open for marine traffic. That’s what it was doing when the 25-year-old driver smashed into the gate at high speed on Saturday night.

(Screenshot from SDOT camera looking west)

If you use the Spokane Street Viaduct – the extension of the West Seattle Bridge between State Route 99 and I-5 – you might be wondering about this week’s plan for closures related to the resurfacing project. We just obtained it from project spokesperson Dr. Matthew Howard:

Monday Night – 09/16/2024

EB Left Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp Open

Tuesday Night – 09/17/2024

EB Right Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp Open

Wednesday Night – 09/18/2024

EB Left Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp Open

(updated) Thursday Night – 09/19/2024

EB Right Lanes Closure – 7:00pm to 6:00am
1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp Open

Friday Night Through Monday – 09/20/24 to 09/23/24

WB Full Lane Closures –10:00pm Friday to 4:00pm Saturday

WB S Spokane St Viaduct – Closed from I-5 Interchange to SR 99.
S Columbian Way Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
NB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
SB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to S Columbian Way will remain open.
1st Ave S Off-Ramp – Closed.
1st Ave S On-Ramp – Closed.
Port of Seattle Terminals 5-18/Harbor Island/11th Ave SW Off-Ramp – Closed.
EB S Spokane Street Viaduct – All Lanes Open

EB Left Lanes Closure – 4:30pm Saturday to 6:00pm Saturday

1st Ave Off Ramp Open
4th Ave Off Ramp Closed
EB to NB SR-99 Ramp OPEN.

EB Full Closure – 6:00pm Saturday to 5:00am Monday

1st Ave Off Ramp Closed
4th Ave Off Ramp Closed
EB to NB SR-99 Ramp OPEN

Meantime, we’re awaiting an update on the low bridge – closed to drivers since Saturday night because of crash damage – and will publish that separately when we get it.

6:00 AM: We start with a reminder that the West Seattle low bridge remains closed to drivers (but open to people on bikes or on foot):

To recap, the gate and barrier at the edge of the east half of the low bridge were “severely damaged,” as SDOT describes it, when a suspected DUI driver hit them at high speed Saturday evening (here’s our coverage of the crash). The low bridge has been closed to drivers ever since; the bike/foot path opened Sunday evening, but SDOT says the rest of the repairs will take at least a “few days.” (Read that update, with an important message for bike/foot path users, here.)

This morning’s other notes:

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro buses today – First weekday since the twice-yearly service change on Saturday – West Seattle-area routes with changes are 60, 125, 131, and 132.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” is back.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Sunny today, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:48 am, while sunset will be at 7:18 pm. (The fall equinox is next Sunday!)

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*We’ll find out today what’s next for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east (this camera has been malfunctioning lately):

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

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

(SDOT camera screenshot, 1:50 pm)

2 PM: As we previously reported here, the West Seattle low bridge (aka Spokane Street Swing Bridge) has been closed to surface traffic – bicyclists and pedestrians as well as drivers – since a crash last night damaged one of its cross-bridge barriers. We’ve been asking SDOT for an update, and just received this from spokesperson Maribel Cruz:

Our crews have been on site since last night, working diligently to secure the area. Currently, the barrier remains down, and both our mechanical and electrical teams are conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage. Early findings indicate damage to both the barrier and the mechanical housing, making it unlikely that the bridge will reopen today. We’re actively coordinating next steps and will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.

The driver smashed his car into the barrier as the bridge was opening for marine traffic just after 7 pm last night. He and a passenger were both taken to Harborview Medical Center; he was also reported by police as under arrest for investigation of DUI. We’ll update this story when we get more info from SDOT.

5:16 PM: No update from SDOT yet, but we notice via the live low-bridge camera that the bridge has been brought back into the “closed” position.

6:44 PM: Thanks for the tips. SDOT hadn’t been updating on X/Twitter but they did, it turns out, post that the low bridge is now open to pedestrians and bicyclists. Still closed to drivers. … We also have obtained more information about the crash investigation from police and have added it to the original story, including why the driver might face a gun-related charge.

9:13 PM: SDOT now says the low bridge might not reopen to drivers for at least a “few days.” The work done so far is what enabled the bridge to open for bicyclists and pedestrians – and ships will be able to request openings – but according to SDOT, “technicians do not expect to be able to reopen the bridge within the next few days and are continuing to develop a more exact timeline.” The department’s update explains that Saturday night’s “collision severely damaged the mechanical gate, lock mechanism, gate control panel, and sensors that are essential for safe bridge operations.” Also: “People may notice pedestrian signals will say ‘don’t walk’ even when the pedestrian gates are open and the bridge is properly locked in place for land travel. This is due to damaged sensors in the vehicle gate. The engineers are working to correct the signal issue, but rest assured it is safe for bicycles and pedestrians to cross when the pedestrian gates are open and there are no flashing lights or warning bells.”

7:14 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “rescue extrication” response to the scene of a crash on the low bridge. Two people are reported hurt, and the bridge is blocked. Complicating matters, the bridge is currently in the “open” position, and the crash happened on the westbound side, which is the only direction from which emergency crews can access the scene.

7:18 PM: Dispatch has told responders that the driver, who’s being extricated, apparently “ran into the bridge as it was opening.” SDOT is sending a crew to check on whether that’s damaged the bridge. A passenger is already out of the car and is reported to be less seriously hurt.

7:28 PM: The low bridge “is probably going to be closed for quite some time,” police just told dispatch. Note that since the bridge is in the “open” position, it’s closed to bicyclists and pedestrians as well as to drivers.

7:35 PM: Police have also told dispatch they’ve arrested the driver for investigation of DUI; he’s reported to be in his 30s and will be taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

8:12 PM: With SFD’s departure, the traffic camera shows the crashed car (note its top is missing because firefighters cut it off to get the driver out):

A tow truck arrived just a moment after we took that screenshot.

9:14 PM: The crash scene is cleared but the bridge remains closed to traffic. A team that showed up a few minutes ago appears to be inspecting the arm that the driver is reported to have hit.

11:12 PM: Still closed to surface traffic, and no status update from SDOT yet.

1:53 AM: Seventh hour of the closure. (You can check on the bridge’s status here; we’ll update again i a few hours.)

6:35 AM: Still closed.

10:51 AM: Still closed, no update from SDOT, who we are trying to reach. Meantime, SFD says neither of the people taken to the hospital after the crash had life-threatening injuries – a 21-year-old woman (who we believe was the passenger) taken via AMR ambulance (which indicates less-serious injuries), a 25-year-old man (who we believe was the driver) taken via SFD medic.

12:38 PM: Still closed. We’ll publish a separate update when we get more info from SDOT, but for now, a spokesperson tells us that “our roadway structures crew and engineers are working as fast as possible to determine the extent of the damage and repair timeline.”

2:07 PM: New story here.

ADDED SUNDAY EVENING: SPD has provided additional information about the crash investigation. They say that the officer’s report summarizes:

The vehicle had been traveling westbound at a high rate of speed when it crossed into the opposite lane of travel, crashed through a gate, and finally coming to a stop when it struck another gate. The gates had been down with their lights active as the bridge had been opening [during the collision].

SPD’s response to our request for information adds, “While working, SFD located a loaded Glock 45 9mm pistol inside of the vehicle, belonging to the 25-year-old driver, and provided it to Seattle police; it was seized as evidence.” The driver is described as a Seattle resident and under investigation for DUI and “unlawful carry (of) pistol.” (The latter section of city code is explained here.)

4:24 PM: Avoid Highland Park Way east of West Marginal for a while. As shown in the traffic-camera screenshot above, there are crashes on both sides of the street near 2nd SW – the eastbound one involves a school bus, but officers have told dispatch there were no children on board. No serious injuries reported in either crash.

4:51 PM: The eastbound crash has cleared and the live-camera view shows the westbound one should clear soon, with a tow truck on scene.

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 12.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: Cloudy, possible pm showers, high in upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:43 am, while sunset will be at 7:26 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*Again tonight, work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is focused on the westbound side – the two left lanes are scheduled to be closed 8 pm to 7 am, then no work Friday-Sunday nights.

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules. Note that the twice-yearly service change is this Saturday, September 14 – Routes 60, 125, 131, and 132 are the ones in our area that will see changes.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” should be back.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

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

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, September 11.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast: More showers possible, maybe even pm thunderstorms, high around 65. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:42 am, while sunset will be at 7:28 pm.

SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT, AND OTHER ROAD WORK OF NOTE

*This week, work on the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project is focused on the westbound side – nightly closures of the two left lanes are planned, 8 pm to 7 am.

Other projects:

*For the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project, the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side; Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.

*Beach Drive gas-line work continues.

TRANSIT NOTES

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedules. Note that the twice-yearly service change is this Saturday, September 14 – Routes 60, 125, 131, and 132 are the ones in our area that will see changes.

Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route. The “unscheduled third boat” should be back.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:

High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low bridge: Here’s the main view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge – Looking east:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

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