West Seattle, Washington
03 Friday
2:14 PM: Thanks to everybody who’s just sent word (including the photo above) of a crash blocking 35th and Fauntleroy. No word of serious injuries so far but avoid the area for a while.
2:54 PM: SDOT just tweeted that the intersection is now clear.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:16 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle.
Three notes:
SCHOOL-BUS STRIKE: Day 7.
FAUNTLEROY/WILDWOOD CLOSURE: The pavement/curb ramp project closure continues south of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal, as do the C Line/Route 116 reroutes.
SIGN INSTALLATION ON SB 99 THIS WEEKEND: Look for lane closures as the missing signs just before the bridge/Harbor Island exits are replaced.
9:09 AM: Yet another no-incidents-reported heart of the morning commute … but any time 24/7 that you see something your neighbors should know about, please – when you can do so safely/legally – text or call our hotline, 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Two weeks ago, we published a report on SDOT‘s promise to replace the signs that have been missing for quite some time on southbound Highway 99 just before the side-by-side exits for the westbound West Seattle Bridge and Harbor Island. SDOT now has set the dates for installation. Here’s the announcement:
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers that SDOT crews will reduce the number of southbound SR 99 travel lanes on Saturday February 10, and Sunday, February 11 to replace overhead signs directing travelers on southbound SR 99 to West Seattle and Harbor Island.
This work will reduce the number of southbound travel lanes to create work zones for crews just north of the West Seattle and Harbor Island exits starting Saturday morning and continuing through Sunday afternoon. Please use extra caution during this time as lane closures will alternate depending on the location of signs being replaced. SDOT would like to thank the public for its patience while this work is being completed.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:06 AM: So far this morning, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.
Two notes:
FAUNTLEROY/WILDWOOD CLOSURE: The pavement/curb ramp project continues to close this intersection south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock, and the C Line/Route 116 reroutes continue.
SCHOOL-BUS STRIKE: Day 6, and the union says the two sides will meet.
Thanks to David Christensen for the photo and report about a crash in the 3000 block of Harbor Avenue SW less than an hour ago. SFD has since cleared the scene so the road is likely no longer blocked, but he reports that it appeared to be a one-vehicle crash. No major injuries as no SFD medic unit was called.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:55 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported so far today in/from West Seattle.
Two notes:
FAUNTLEROY/WILDWOOD CLOSURE: This project continues south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock, with C Line/Route 116 reroutes continuing too.
SCHOOL-BUS STRIKE: Day 5.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:52 AM: One incident to report in the area – Seattle Fire says a man in his 40s has died after his car hit a tree at the SB 509 exit to Myers Way. So if you use SB 509 and usually get it to it from anywhere north of that, investigators will likely be on scene quite a while.
Other alerts and transportation notes:
SCHOOL BUS STRIKE CONTINUES: Fourth day.
FAUNTLEROY/WILDWOOD CLOSURE: Second day of work closing this intersection just south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock, and rerouting the C Line and Route 116.
TRAFFIC-SIGNAL WORK: As announced Monday by SDOT, crews will be working to tweak six West Seattle signals today.
7:06 AM: The State Patrol says the Myers Way ramp from SB 509 has reopened.
Just in from SDOT:
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers that work is being done at six intersections in West Seattle to install new traffic control components so that they are compatible with the latest traffic control operating system. The new equipment will allow improved system operations and updated pedestrian crossing times. This work is a part of collaboration with community feedback over pedestrian crossing times along SW Admiral Way and California Way SW. Work is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6.
What to expect:
Revised signal operation timings and updated pedestrian crossing cycle length during a.m. peak, p.m. peak, and off-peak hours. The locations are as follows:
41st Ave SW and SW Admiral Way
42nd Ave SW and SW Admiral Way
California Ave SW and SW Admiral Way
California Ave SW and SW Lander St
California Ave SW and SW Stevens St
California Ave SW and SW Hanford St
1:11 PM: That’s an image taken from the SDOT camera on the “low bridge,” where a crash is blocking both directions right now. No other details so far but you’ll want to take alternate routes.
1:45 PM: SDOT says the crash has cleared. We’re checking with SFD about injuries.
2:15 PM: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB that a woman believed to be in her mid-50s was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:49 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in West Seattle or on the outbound routes.
Updates:
SCHOOL BUS STRIKE: First Student drivers who transport Seattle Public Schools students are striking for a third day.
FAUNTLEROY/WILDWOOD CLOSURE: First scheduled day of a two-week project closing this intersection just south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock and rerouting the C Line and Route 116. We’re headed downhill in a minute to verify.
7:20 AM: As of a few minutes ago, the intersection is still open. But preparations are under way (for example, a car in the “no parking” zone on 45th SW just north of Wildwood was being towed). And the buses ARE rerouting – we were behind a RapidRide C Line going eastbound on SW Trenton. Once on 45th, it’s slow going for the C Line while negotiating a traffic circle that, as a commenter pointed out, has been extended with asphalt for the buses. We’ll check back next hour to see if the closure’s set up yet.
11:38 AM: We did finally get back to the area after 10 am, and yes, the closure is now in effect. Note that 45th SW north of Wildwood is a lot busier than usual because of the detours.
Another reminder that tomorrow is the scheduled start of the SDOT project that will close the intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Wildwood [map], just south of the ferry terminal, for up to two weeks, for replacement of concrete road panels and construction of a curb ramp. That means a traffic detour, bus reroutes, and parking restrictions nearby, including along the temporary bus route, which includes SW Trenton.
-The original SDOT announcement with detour info is here
-The detailed Metro reroute announcement for RapidRide C Line and Route 116 is here
SDOT says the closure starts at 7 am Monday; Metro says the reroutes begin at the “start of service” for the affected routes. We will be checking the area for our regular weekday traffic/transit coverage. You can check traffic cameras in the vicinity via this page on the Washington State Ferries website.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:02 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
SCHOOL-BUS STRIKE: Day two, although Seattle Public Schools said First Student might provide some service, and that affected families would be notified directly.
MONDAY REMINDER: The Fauntleroy/Wildwood intersection closure, including rerouting of the C Line and 116 buses, is scheduled to start Monday and last up to two weeks.
7:08 AM: Transit alert just in from Metro:
Transit Alert – The first Route 57 to downtown Seattle due to leave the Alaska Junction at 6:41 AM is operating more than 30 minutes late this morning.
— King County Metro🚌 (@kcmetrobus) February 2, 2018
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:55 AM: Welcome to a new month. No incidents reported currently in/from West Seattle, but here are other transportation notes/reminders:
SCHOOL-BUS STRIKE: Day one. Remember that this means more personal-vehicle traffic near schools, especially elementaries.
REMINDER – FAUNTLEROY/WILDWOOD CLOSURE STARTS MONDAY: The intersection just south of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal will close Monday for up to two weeks of road-panel replacement and curb-ramp building. Metro has now announced its reroute plan affecting the C Line and Route 116.
3:28 PM: Thanks for the tips – there’s a multiple-vehicle crash on the eastbound high bridge, where traffic from the Admiral (etc.) ramp merges. SFD is arriving on scene.
4:30 PM: SDOT says the scene is clear.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:14 AM: Good morning! Too cloudy to see this morning’s eclipse – we looked. But right now, the brake lights and headlights are shining bright as usual on the roads, which do not have any incidents reported in/from West Seattle right now. Notes:
NO SCHOOL: Today is the “day between semesters” for Seattle Public Schools.
SCHOOL BUS STRIKE TOMORROW: As announced last night, First Student bus drivers (the company that provides yellow-bus service for Seattle Public Schools) will be on strike starting Thursday.
FAUNTLEROY/DIRECTOR STAIRWAY CLOSED: As reported yesterday (with info on other stairway projects ahead this year in West Seattle). And nearby …
FAUNTLEROY/WILDWOOD INTERSECTION CLOSING STARTING MONDAY: As announced two days ago. We are still waiting for reroute details for Metro, which may have them following a meeting today – we’ll publish an update when they’re out.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:02 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this Tuesday morning.
WATER TAXI CHANGE: Spirit of Kingston is on the West Seattle Water Taxi run this morning because Doc Maynard was moved to the Vashon run – Sally Fox is out with technical trouble.
ROAD WORK ADVANCE ALERT: Announced Monday by SDOT – starting February 5th, Fauntleroy/Wildwood just south of the ferry dock will be closed for an estimated two weeks for work including pavement repair.
8:18 AM: SW Alaska is blocked just west of California, per SDOT.
8:21 AM: And it’s clear – a bus was being towed, per a commenter.
A big road-work project near the Fauntleroy ferry dock will detour traffic – including buses – starting one week from today. The announcement just in:
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers that contractors will close the intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Wildwood Place, just south of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, beginning Monday morning, February 5, through Monday, February 19.
Crews will replace concrete road panels at the intersection, and install a curb ramp on the northeast corner.
Between 7 a.m. on Monday, February 5 and 5 p.m. on Monday, February 19, travelers can expect:
The intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Wildwood Place to be closed in all directions.
Signed detours will be in place:
Motorists exiting the ferry terminal wanting to head southbound will be directed to go northbound on Fauntleroy Way, turn right on SW Morgan St, and right onto 35th Ave SW to head southbound to their destination.
King County Metro’s Rapid Ride C Line will be detoured along SW Trenton St and 45th Ave SW.
There will be No Parking on either side of SW Trenton St between Fauntleroy Way SW and 45th Ave SW.
There will be No Parking on the west side of 45th Ave SW for 100 feet in both directions of SW Director St.
Temporary parking restrictions are necessary for the detour bus route.
Check Metro’s Alerts & Updates page for additional bus route information.
Construction will occur Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday construction may be required to finish within the scheduled timeframe.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:56 AM: Good morning! The rain’s back. No incidents currently reported in/from West Seattle, but we do have one transit alert so far – the 7:55 am Route 116 from Fauntleroy will not operate, according to Metro.
POSTSCRIPT: Another incident-free day … we report major incidents around the clock so if you hear of/see something and we haven’t reported it yet, let us know (if/when you can do so safely/legally) – 206-293-6302 text or voice, 24/7 – thank you!
Myers/Olson/1st light still in flashing mode, though @seattledot @SDOTtraffic was out here earlier pic.twitter.com/mK7tgcA4Tk
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) January 28, 2018
4:54 PM: The traffic signal at Myers/Olson/1st, at the east end of the SW Roxbury corridor, is still malfunctioning. We got a report this morning, but when we went to check, SDOT was there, so we figured it would be fixed soon. Nope – as of minutes ago, still flashing. Remember, that means all-way stop.
SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE: Went back to look – still flashing as of quarter past 9.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:11 AM: Good morning! We’re hoping this morning’s commute has nothing in common with Thursday afternoon. So far, no incidents reported in or from West Seattle.
10:15 PM: Thanks to Kerry for the photo and report from 35th and Hudson [map]: “Once again, a left-turner has been rear-ended at this corner. Three lanes closed. Drivers look to be OK.” SFD has sent one engine, no medic unit, which indeed indicates no serious injuries.
10:31 PM: SFD has cleared the scene. Kerry reports seeing a stretcher used for one person.
1:49 PM: That photo tweeted by SFD shows a truck crash that has closed the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct from the Battery Street Tunnel southward. No injuries, and the driver got out OK, but the SB lanes of The Viaduct will be closed until this is cleared.
(Image tweeted by SDOT)
Buses are being rerouted too, according to an alert just in from Metro. Updates to come.
2:32 PM: A tow truck is on scene.
3:23 PM: No time estimate yet on SB Viaduct reopening. But there’s some bad news if more people head to the West Seattle Water Taxi to get around the 99 problem – King County just sent an alert that the smaller Spirit of Kingston is on the WS route tonight. Meantime, most SB surface routes are backed up, according to info including the SDOT Travelers’ Map (look for the red).
3:32 PM: The southbound Viaduct has just reopened. The left lane is closed for repairs, though.
6:35 PM: The repair closure isn’t over yet, according to SDOT.
6:57 PM: All lanes are open again. (See comments below for some examples of this afternoon/evening’s nightmarish traffic.)
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
6:43 AM: So far, no trouble reported on the outbound routes in/from West Seattle.
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