West Seattle, Washington
04 Saturday
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:58 AM: Good morning! Getting ever brighter at this hour … but remember that’ll change for a while after Daylight Saving Time arrives at 2 am next Sunday (when we “spring forward” an hour).
So far, no transit alerts or incidents reported.
4:35 PM: Thanks to Farrah for the photo. That crash has northbound Harbor SW closed right now, north of the bridge. No serious injuries reported but clearing the wreckage will take a bit.
5:17 PM: All lanes are open again.
10:08 AM: Emergency responders are closing northbound Fauntleroy at 36th because of what’s reported to be a collision involving a motorcycle rider.
10:30 AM: This cleared quickly – police and SFD already gone. We’re checking with SFD on the rider’s condition
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:51 AM: We start with a transit alert, just in from Metro:
Transit Alert – Route 56 to downtown Seattle due to leave 61 Av SW & Alki Av SW at 7:32 AM will not operate this morning.
— King County Metro🌍🚌 (@kcmetrobus) March 5, 2018
Speaking of Metro, next Saturday – March 10th – the next service changes take effect, as previewed here.
Back to what’s up this morning – no incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
6:10 PM: If you are heading to the east end of the Roxbury corridor, be forewarned that traffic is being diverted off Olson because of a crash investigation. Eastbound is going onto 4th; westbound, onto Myers Way. The crash was more than 2 hours ago and didn’t sound huge at the time, but one person was seriously hurt and the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad was called out.
7:54 PM: SDOT promises a Twitter update when the scene’s clear. We’re monitoring (via scanner too) but if you see that it’s cleared and we haven’t updated yet, please let us know – thank you!
9:11 PM: Still closed.
9:52 PM: Now open again, per SPD via SDOT.
ADDED MONDAY 10:51 AM: We followed up today with SFD and SPD. SFD said a 45-year-old woman was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. And SPD has just posted this:
Detectives from the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad (TCIS) were called out Sunday afternoon to investigate a serious injury vehicular assault hit and run incident in West Seattle.
On Sunday, March 4th, at about 3:30 pm, a Nissan Pathfinder, occupied by a 54-year-old male driver and a 45-year-old female passenger, was traveling westbound in the 9400 block of Olson Place Southwest. At about the same time, a utility van towing a large trailer was traveling eastbound on Olson Place Southwest. The Nissan crossed over the center line and collided with the utility van. The collision caused the Nissan to spin around and face eastbound. The driver of the van was not injured. The driver of the Nissan then drove approximately a quarter of a mile away from the scene of the collision, finally stopping on 1st Avenue South, just west of the Highway 509 on-ramp.
The female passenger in the Nissan was seriously injured and transported to Harborview Medical Center (HMC) via Seattle Fire medics. The male driver of the Nissan was also transported to HMC, and evaluated at the hospital by a Drug-Recognition Expert officer and it was determined that he was impaired. After the driver was treated at HMC, he was booked into the King County Jail for investigation of vehicular assault. The female passenger remains in the hospital. TCIS detectives will continue to handle the follow-up investigation.
11:59 AM: Thanks for the tip about a flipped-car crash on the westbound West Seattle Bridge. SDOT – which tweeted the image above (from this camera) – says it’s just west of the Highway 99 overpass and that it’s currently blocking all westbound lanes. Per scanner, one person is hurt.
12:33 PM: SDOT says all lanes are now open.
1:14 PM: Via comment and e-mail, we heard that a dog was loose on the roadway after the crash. Just got a call from someone who says the dog was rescued by a man in a Southwest Plumbing truck. So if anyone’s looking for it – that might be a place (the company is based in North Delridge) to start.
1:26 PM: This commenter says they have the dog. We’re crossposting to the Lost/Found Pets page in case someone looks there.
8:56 PM: As also noted in this comment, Max the dog is back home, and reunited with owner Christa!
If you are headed out of West Seattle tomorrow morning, remember that – as we’ve been mentioning in our weekday morning traffic coverage – the Battery Street Tunnel and part of Highway 99 north of it will be closed for several hours because of the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K. The BSTunnel will be closed both ways between 6 am and 11:15 am; north of it, NB lanes will be closed to North 45th Street until 11:15 am, and SB lanes will be closed from N. 38th southward until 10:25 am. See other downtown closures here.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in or from West Seattle so far this Friday.
WEEKEND REMINDER – 99 CLOSURE SUNDAY MORNING: The Battery Street Tunnel and part of Highway 99 north of it will be closed for several hours Sunday morning during the Hot Chocolate Run.
7:30 AM: Crash reported at 25th/Barton.
7:38 AM: Transit alert – the 8 am Route 116 from Fauntleroy “will not operate” today.
8:59 AM: If you are headed into downtown, protesters are blocking 4th Avenue at James.
9:58 AM: The “no new youth jail” protest is continuing and that’s also affecting traffic on I-5 and I-90, per SDOT/WSDOT. A reader stuck in downtown traffic sent this photo:
The Seattle Times reports on the reason for the demonstration.
11:02 AM: Per SPD via Twitter and scanner, the protesters left 4th/James and headed north on 4th, currently approaching the Westlake area.
2:44 PM: As of less than half an hour ago, SPD tweeted that the demonstrators had moved out of the road at 5th and Stewart and all downtown streets should be reopening.
This shot will give you a better idea of where the car 🔥 is in relation to the West Seattle Bridge (the overpass above).
If you need to get to WS or points south, SR 99 looks clear past the stadiums. pic.twitter.com/UPGxZDj3Yo
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) March 2, 2018
6:44 PM: What’s described on the SFD log as a vehicle fire near the West Seattle Bridge interchangehas all lanes of southbound I-5 closed right now – so if you’re headed this way, don’t take SB 5. More to come.
7:17 PM: Now one lane open, still way backed up.
7:26 PM: Two left lanes are now open.
8:04 PM: All lanes now open, but the southbound backup is several miles.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:04 AM: Good morning and welcome to March 2018. Just checked around – no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.
WATER TAXI FARE INCREASE: Today’s the day it takes effect – details here.
METRO CHANGES AHEAD: March 10th is the next “service change” date and it’ll bring changes and additions on some West Seattle-serving routes – here’s that info.
99 CLOSED SUNDAY MORNING: Reminder that the Battery Street Tunnel and part of Highway 99 north of it will be closed Sunday morning during the Hot Chocolate Run.
7:34 AM: Transit alert – Metro just tweeted that the 8 am Route 116 from Fauntleroy ‘will not operate this morning.’
8:03 AM: As mentioned in a comment, there’s a stalled vehicle blocking a lane on the offramp from EB West Seattle Bridge to 1st.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:59 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far on this final day of the month. No transit advisories so far this morning, either.
9:31 AM: Another relatively quiet morning commute is concluding. We monitor throughout the day and also appreciate tips – 206-293-6302, text or voice, 24/7 – thank you!
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:56 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this morning.
WATER TAXI: Last week’s damage to the Vashon vessel Sally Fox is now fixed and as of the Monday pm commute, KCDOT tells us, it was back on the island run, with Doc Maynard returning to the West Seattle run.
SUNDAY MORNING HIGHWAY 99 ALERT: The Battery Street Tunnel and points north will be closed for a while Sunday morning because of the Hot Chocolate run – details here.
10:08 AM: Report of a semitruck stalled on one northbound lane of the South Park Bridge. Otherwise, quiet morning until now – we always appreciate your traffic and breaking-news tips 24/7 at 206-293-6302, text or voice.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:59 AM: Good morning! Seattle Public Schools‘ mid-winter break is over. The cold weather isn’t over yet, though – 32 degrees out there right now. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle.
7:30 AM: Crash reported at Spokane/Klickitat.
Also, the state ferry Issaquah will be taken off the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth run after the morning commute for emergency maintenance; some sailings will be canceled.
10:26 AM: WSF has changed the plan – Issaquah will continue running, but at half-power, while the work is done.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
5:42 AM: Good morning! No snow yet but the forecast says it’s likely this afternoon. Temperatures are in the mid-20s now so watch out for lingering ice on sidewalks and streets. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this morning.
8:31 AM: It’s been a very quiet morning. Still no incidents. Reminder that school will be back in session for everyone on Monday – this is the last day of mid-winter break for Seattle Public Schools (and independent schools that follow its schedule).
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
5:22 AM: Good morning! It’s cold enough that most of last night’s snow is still around, though the next round isn’t due until tomorrow. This morning, your sidewalks and side streets will be the biggest challenges. Some links to check:
Metro – on regular routes
SDOT – winter-weather-response map shows where crews have been working
More traffic cameras – here
SCHOOL CHANGES (updated 8:05 am)
Highline Public Schools – 2 hours late
Holy Family School – 1 hour late, BASS available at 8, school starts at 9
Holy Rosary School – 10:30 start, no am BASE, no am preschool
Hope Lutheran School – 2 hours late, doors open 10:15, school begins 10:30
Kennedy Catholic HS – closed today; freshman retreat activities postponed to Friday
Our Lady of Guadalupe – 2 hours late
Seattle Lutheran High School – will start at 10:30 am
Tilden School – Open as usual for families and staff who can get there safely
Info to add? Text or call our 24/7 hotline – 206-293-6302
7:03 AM: Still no official trouble reports or transit alerts, but in comments below, Steven reports, “Route 56 is stuck on Admiral Way coming out of Alki” and Sam reports, “The 37 that runs by Alki Beach around 6:35 never showed.”
7:20 AM: Thanks for the updates on what you’re seeing, once you get to where you’re going (or if you’re a passenger – bus or otherwise). As for us, here’s the video view from a few minutes ago at California/Thistle:
Our two-arterial look around. Breezy now too and a bit of blowing snow. pic.twitter.com/BFI5JH8EWV
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) February 22, 2018
8:27 AM: If you drive surface Spokane St., be advised there’s a vehicle-fire response at Colorado, which is just west of 1st Ave. S. Haven’t heard which direction. (update) Per scanner, it’s a “small RV fire” partially extinguished by the RV’s occupant.
8:41 AM: 2-car crash reported at 30th/Brandon.
10:19 AM: Police are responding to a downed-wire report at SW Raymond and High Point Drive.
10:25 AM: Also from the scanner, reports of debris on the eastbound bridge from 35th SW – wood on the road.
10:30 AM: Thanks again to everyone who has provided info via comments this morning, in longstanding WSB tradition. Sarah reports, “The police have taped off 30th Ave just North of Juneau all the way to Brandon due to road conditions and the earlier accident at 30th and Brandon.”
THURSDAY AFTERNOON NOTE: Except for side streets in the shade, roads have cleared up – first the snow melted, then it dried in the breeze. No new snow expected for the remainder of today – but stand by for a forecast update later, and SDOT’s plans.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:55 AM: Good morning. One incident so far this morning – a stalled vehicle is partly blocking the HOV lane on the NB 1st Avenue South Bridge.
WATER TAXI: Back in service but with a vessel change – Spirit of Kingston on the West Seattle run, Doc Maynard on the Vashon Island run.
WEATHER: Below freezing this morning – so watch out for icy spots – and a chance of a little snow.
SCHOOL’S OUT: Mid-winter break week continues for Seattle Public Schools.
LIGHT-RAIL OPEN HOUSE: Missed last Tuesday’s Sound Transit open house in West Seattle? Or, have something more to say? Tonight is the third and final event in this early round – 5:30-7:30 pm at Union Station downtown (401 S. Jackson).
10:50 AM: Thanks for the tips and the texted photo. SW Genesee is blocked by police just west of Delridge. The 911 log shows a medical call there just after 9 am; we’re on the way to find out more.
11:10 AM: The police here are from the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad. The medical call was from the incident – a female pedestrian hit by a driver on Genesee at 26th and taken to Harborview.
11:20 AM: Police here also tell us it’s a DUI investigation.
A ReachNow car still on the scene has visible driver-side windshield damage.
11:56 AM: SFD says the victim is an “adult female with serious injuries.”
1:04 PM: Still blocked off with investigators working.
2:19 PM: SDOT has since tweeted that the street is open again.
ADDED TUESDAY NIGHT: The 30-year-old suspect got out of jail this evening; the register says it was a “conditional release.”
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:12 AM: Thanks for the tips. Per scanner, there is trouble in both directions on the West Seattle Bridge – a motorcycle crash with one person (update: 48-year-old man) being taken to the hospital, near the Delridge exit on the westbound side, and an incident reported to involve two vehicles on the eastbound side. Tow trucks are reported to have been called for all. SDOT says “the EB left lane and the WB 2 right lanes” are blocked right now.
6:19 AM: Other notes – no major power outages remain but there are a few small pockets; doesn’t look like any that would affect traffic.
TRANSIT CHANGES: For the Presidents Day holiday:
-Water Taxi out of service
-Metro on “reduced weekday” service
6:22 AM: Heard via scanner, trouble with a railroad-crossing arm at 1st and Spokane, and it might not be fixed for at least an hour.
7:04 AM: Per scanner, police say the westbound West Seattle Bridge is clear, an hour-plus after the motorcycle crash that sent a man to the hospital (see above).
7:05 AM: SDOT says both directions are clear.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:59 AM: Good morning. So far, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.
HOLIDAY WEEKEND AHEAD: Monday is Presidents Day, and that will affect transit schedules – no Water Taxi on Monday; Metro will run the “reduced weekday” service. Monday also will be the first day of a weeklong mid-winter break for Seattle Public Schools.
8:45 AM: A “heavy rescue” response is headed to West Marginal Way S. and South Holden [map].
8:50 AM: The response is already being downsized. No major injuries and no major traffic effects, per scanner.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:49 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported right now in/from West Seattle.
Reminders:
PRESIDENTS DAY ON MONDAY: Metro will be on a reduced-weekday schedule, and there will be no Water Taxi service.
ALSO ABOUT THE WATER TAXI: Fares are going up March 1st.
7:03 AM: If you usually travel northbound on 509/99 from south of the 1st Avenue Bridge, it’s really slow going all the way back to Burien and beyond, according to the SDOT traffic map. An SFD response is just now being sent to the area.
7:10 AM: Here’s a screengrab from the WSDOT camera showing the trouble spot:
7:23 AM: This continues to block all lanes. (added) WSDOT notes, “You can still get on from W. Marginal, but avoid NB 509 south of there.”
7:42 AM: All lanes have reopened, but, again quoting WSDOT, “a huge backup remains.” No other trouble spots so far this morning.
8:25 AM: Crash reported at Delridge/Henderson.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:50 AM: Good morning! Just checked around – no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.
Note that next Monday (February 19th) is Presidents Day; no Water Taxi, and Metro will be on “reduced weekday” service. It’s also the start of a week off – mid-winter break – for Seattle Public Schools.
7:32 AM: From SDOT: “Stalled vehicle on West Seattle Bridge EB at Delridge Way SW blocking left lane.”
7:55 AM: Cleared.
Thanks to Bruce for the tip via Twitter: Road work has a lane closed on the SB Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99, and that’s backing up traffic, even at this hour. We found the advisory on the right sidebar of this WSDOT page – it says the left lane will be closed between Columbia and Royal Brougham every night through Thursday night/Friday morning, 7 pm-5 am.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:54 AM: Good morning! Chilly but dry Monday. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle
Reminders, in case you missed the original reports Friday: Fauntleroy Way/Wildwood reopened Friday afternoon after work concluded early … The school-bus strike is over; after a ratification vote Saturday, drivers were to be back to work today.
7:02 AM: Jim reports that the 16th/Roxbury lights are still flashing red, as they’ve been doing since last night’s outage.
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