(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:24 AM: No incidents in/from West Seattle so far this morning.

(Photo by Peter Commons)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MOBILE BLOOD DRIVE: If you can donate blood, you’ll find the mobile donation van at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) today, by the Clock Tower, 10:30 am-4:30 pm, closed for a break 12:30 pm-1:30 pm. Walk-ups welcome. (6000 16th SW)

PHYSICAL THERAPY NIGHT: Monthly assessment event at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), 5:30-7 pm – details in our calendar listing. (2743 California SW)

NEW ALL-GENDER SCOUTING GROUP: Tonight’s the first evening meeting for the new all-gender scouting group, part of the Baden-Powell Service Association, forming in West Seattle: “The group is divided into Chipmunks (age 2-4), Otters (age 5-7), Timberwolves (age 8-11), Pathfinders (age 12-17), and Rovers (ages 18+).” 6-7:15 pm at High Point Library. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

FREE FAMILY ZUMBA CLASS: 6 pm at Lil’ Bug Studio, a new series of family Zumba classes is starting, and the first one is free. (10007 13th SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUP: 6:45 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. This month’s title is “My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante. All welcome! (2306 42nd SW)

MONDAY NIGHT MEDITATION: 7 pm at Sound Yoga (WSB sponsor): “Each week we will explore a different aspect of Buddhist psychology and the practical ways we can apply it within our modern, busy lives.” This week, the topic is “Consideration for Others.” (5639 California SW)

7:43 AM: While half of the scheduled Highway 99 closure continues this morning – northbound, between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel – there’s a problem south of the bridge you might need to know about: A crash that “knocked over a light post” is blocking 99 (East Marginal Way) both ways at Hudson [map], per WSDOT, which warns that repairs “will take a few hours.”

12:51 AM: Still blocked:

3:01 PM: Now open – repair work’s done, says SDOT. (But northbound 99 remains closed for the weekend-long tunnel-related work, so if you are headed northbound from there, you won’t get much further. Whenever that is over, we’ll have another separate update.)

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:20 AM: We start with an emergency response at Delridge and Thistle. Texter said a pedestrian was hurt. Two of the three SFD units sent, including the medic unit, already have been dismissed, so apparently no major injuries.

VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: The first part of the inspection-and-more closure starts tonight at 11 – northbound between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel – and is scheduled to continue all weekend. The southbound closure is scheduled for 5 am-6 pm Saturday and same hours Sunday.

6:42 AM: The last SFD unit at Delridge and Thistle has now cleared the scene.

9:04 AM: The heart of the commute has concluded with no further problems reported. Thanks again for the alerts – you can reach us any time (but not while you’re driving!) via text or voice at 206-293-6302 with traffic alerts or other breaking news. We will be tracking the Highway 99/Viaduct closure all weekend and will update with any changes, including early reopening(s), as well as an extra-close watch on alternate routes.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:02 AM: No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.

WEEKEND VIADUCT/99 CLOSURE: It starts tomorrow night – Highway 99 will close in two phases, for the regular twice-yearly Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closure, plus work related to the tunnel project. First, from 11 pm Friday to 5 am Monday, northbound 99 is scheduled to close between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel. Then, 5 am to 6 pm Saturday and 5 am to 6 pm Sunday, the southbound lanes of the same stretch are set to close. (If anything reopens ahead of schedule, as always, we’ll update.)

7:18 AM: SDOT reports a crash partly blocking the right lane on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge at midspan. Apparently no injuries, as SFD has not been sent. (Watch the top-right camera for updates.)

7:37 AM: That incident has now cleared.

8:15 AM: SDOT reports a crash at Delridge/Holden.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:43 AM: No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this morning.

WEEKEND VIADUCT CLOSURE: Another reminder that Highway 99 will be closed in two phases this weekend, for work in addition to the regular twice-yearly Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closure – 11 pm Friday to 5 am Monday, northbound 99 is scheduled to close between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel. 5 am to 6 pm Saturday and 5 am to 6 pm Sunday is the schedule for the southbound lanes to close.

8:14 AM: Thanks for the texts and comments – there’s a crash under the bridge on the ramp from Avalon, reportedly involving a bicycle rider.

8:18 AM: The SFD medic unit’s been canceled and a private ambulance called instead, per scanner, so injuries are apparently not major.

8:50 AM: For those who use 4th Avenue S.- SDOT reports the signal at 4th and Lander is in flashing mode. Remember, that means it’s an all-way stop.

9:54 AM: We checked with SFD regarding the bicyclist hurt in the Avalon crash. SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley says he’s a man “approximately 50” and was in stable condition when taken to the hospital.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:06 AM: Good morning – so far, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.

The big reminder all week is that the Alaskan Way Viaduct will close next weekend – northbound is set to be closed all weekend, late Friday night to early Monday morning, while southbound is scheduled for 5 am-6 pm closures Saturday and Sunday.

7:36 AM Metro has sent an alert saying the 7;48 am Route 116 from Brace Point/Wildwood won’t be running today.

9:04 AM: Uneventful commute today but if you spot trouble any time day or night, especially on major routes, let us know (when you can call/text safely/legally) – 206-293-6302 – thank you!

9:21 AM: Spoke too soon. There’s a crash at California and Admiral. One Seattle Fire unit responded – no medic unit, so apparently injuries, if any, are not major.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:35 AM: Thanks for the texts – the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct is blocked, all lanes, by an incident near Seneca. More to come.

6:44 AM: The incident has been described both as a collision and as a vehicle fire. It already has NB 99 backed up all the way past the West Seattle Bridge.

7 AM: SDOT says one northbound lane is now open. Backups stretch to the 1st Avenue S. Bridge, though. Though Metro has not issued an official alert, some buses have rerouted, we’re hearing via comments and Twitter.

7:14 AM: Commenter and texter say the vehicle involved was labeled as being from Cupcake Royale. We haven’t heard whether anyone was hurt.

7:21 AM: If you’re on Delridge, note that two Seattle Fire units are headed to Louisa Boren STEM K-8 school for an automatic fire alarm. **No** word of an actual fire, but just in case you see the response while stuck in bridge/Viaduct-bound traffic and wonder.

7:30 AM: Back on the NB Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle Fire has cleared the scene, and no medic unit was involved, so if anyone was hurt, it wasn’t major. But the lane closures remain.

7:41 AM: The aforementioned fire-alarm call at STEM K-8 has closed, no fire, SFD units back in service. Meantime, on NB I-5 on the north side of downtown, an SFD aid response has blocked a lane, so I-5 as an alternative to 99 has one more challenge right now.

7:44 AM: Metro has now sent an alert about the reroutes that readers have been mentioning:

7:50 AM: The NB I-5 incident has cleared.

8:12 AM: NB 99 has NOT cleared. Here’s the camera we’re watching.

8:20 AM: Looks like a tow truck has shown up at the 99 scene. (Added a few minutes later, screengrab from the SDOT webcam):

8:29 AM: Tow truck’s taken it away. Waiting for word of reopening.

8:32 AM: And that word has just come – all lanes open again – with the caveat about “residual delays.”

8:39 AM: Now that the incident is closed – a reminder that the Viaduct will be *deliberately* closed this weekend for its twice-yearly inspection closure as well as some other work – northbound all weekend (late Friday night to early Monday morning), southbound 5 am-6 pm Saturday and again Sunday (if needed).

9:18 AM: No further incidents. Thanks again to the first person who tipped us to the trouble in the early going – our breaking news hotline, text or voice, 24/7, is 206-293-6302.

9:30 AM: And now … word of a crash on the eastbound bridge, no injuries. Waiting for word on exactly where.

9:36 AM: Looks to be somewhere on the high-rise, per where SDOT is turning one of the bridge cameras.

9:41 AM: From SDOT:

9:49 AM: SDOT says the bridge crash has cleared.

10:14 AM: We’re working on a Viaduct followup but in the meantime, via Twitter, we shared a photo by Brian, who was on scene right after the van fire erupted, and also, Cupcake Royale says its driver is OK.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:25 AM: Good morning. No incidents currently reported in/from West Seattle. Three notes:

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: The fall schedule and fare changes take effect Sunday.

SUNDAY NIGHT WATER TAXI: The West Seattle Water Taxi will run the extended schedule on Sunday because the Seahawks are playing an evening game.

VIADUCT CLOSURE NEXT WEEKEND: Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct is scheduled to be closed much of next weekend (October 7-8) for its annual inspection as well as other work, according to the weekly Construction Lookahead – we’ll be verifying details later today.

10:31 AM: Speaking of the Viaduct, there’s road work right now on the northbound end at Western, and that’s causing a backup. Also a big crash on southbound I-5 by the West Seattle Bridge exit – avoid SB I-5 through downtown entirely for a while.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:06 AM: Good morning. So far, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle.

ADMIRAL DISTRICT REPAVING: The repaving work between College and Hill on California SW is scheduled to continue today.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:02 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported so far in/from West Seattle.

ADMIRAL DISTRICT REPAVING: We checked yesterday afternoon and the repaving work between College and Hill on California SW has indeed begun; that’ll continue today.

STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT: Sounders FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 7:30 pm at CenturyLink.

7:32 AM SFD is responding to a car fire reported in the 900 block of SW Austin.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:02 AM: Good morning – no incidents reported so far in/from West Seattle.

One alert: Today’s the day SDOT says paving work on California SW between College and Hill will start.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:54 AM: Two incidents to report this morning – a crash blocking westeastbound Sylvan Way SW in the 7100 block [map], and, if you use surface Spokane St. east of West Seattle, it’s blocked at Colorado because of a truck/train collision nearby.

Reminders:

*It’s the first weekday since Metro’s “service change” took effect on Staurday – here’s the plan for routes in our area.

And remember the Columbia/2nd stop downtown has closed and moved (Metro photo added above).

*The fall quarter starts today at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor).

7:12 AM: The truck/train crash affecting surface Spokane St. has been cleared, per scanner.

7:27 AM: SFD has just closed out of the Sylvan Way call.

7:57 AM: SDOT reports a crash at Admiral and 42nd.

Just announced by SDOT – two blocks of California SW will be repaved next week in the Admiral area:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers that crews will be repaving California Ave SW between SW College St and SW Hill St starting Tuesday, September 26 to Friday, September 29.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, beginning Tuesday, September 26, to Friday, September 29, travelers can expect:

*Northbound and southbound traffic on California Ave SW will be reduced to a single lane between SW College St and SW Hill St

*Traffic will alternate in the single open lane

*Flaggers will direct traffic

*Parking will be restricted on California Ave SW in the work zone

*“No Parking” signs will be placed 72 hours prior to start of work

*Driveway access will be maintained but travelers may have to wait up to 15 minutes for equipment to clear

This work is part of the Arterial Major Maintenance (AMM) program, funded by the Move Seattle Levy. SDOT would like to thank the public for its patience while this work is completed.

Here’s a map of the area.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:59 AM: No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this final morning of summer (the fall equinox is at 1:02 pm, and Alice Enevoldsen‘s seasonal sunset watch is tonight).

*SDOT is scheduled to continue 25th SW paving in North Delridge today.

*Metro’s next “service change” takes effect tomorrow – here’s the plan for routes in our area (and remember the Columbia/2nd stop closes downtown).

*Highway 509 repaving work closes lanes all weekend, starting south of here.

*The Orca Half Marathon will be run between Lincoln Park and Don Armeni Boat Launch on Sunday, on sidewalks and the Alki Trail, and in the parking lane. (Not running? Volunteer!)

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:11 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this rainy morning.

Alerts:

*25th SW paving in North Delridge is scheduled to continue today.
*Reminder that Metro’s next “service change” takes effect Saturday – here’s what happens for routes in our area (plus a reminder of the Columbia/2nd stop closing downtown).
*The Orca Half Marathon will be run between Lincoln Park and Don Armeni Boat Launch on Sunday. Organizers say they will be running on sidewalks and the Alki Trail, and in the parking lane. (Not running? Volunteer!)

More…

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far. Reminders:

25TH SW REPAVING: We checked on Tuesday and despite the weather, the project was under way north of Puget Blvd. SW.

FERRY MEETING: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route issues will be aired in a 7 pm meeting at Vashon Island High School. (Our most-recent coverage is here.)

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:06 AM: Good morning. One big problem so far this morning – the Battery Street Tunnel is closed because of a crash, so NB 99 is backed up in a big way.

7:27 AM: They’re still working on the tunnel crash, which SPD describes as a “rollover.” NB 5 has had various problems in the early going too, so if you’re headed downtown, your better options will be 1st or 4th, though getting across the bridge to get there will still be a slog.

7:40 AM: SDOT says the crash in the tunnel has been cleared. But beware of “residual backups.” Also, SDOT noted that a vehicle in the right lane waiting to get into the tunnel had stalled … so that might be a factor.

7:47 AM: SDOT says that stalled vehicle has cleared too. Meantime – roads are wet everywhere. Plus, a commenter says the 4th/Lander light in SODO is blinking.

Back here on the peninsula, we don’t know yet if the weather has changed these plans (we’ll go check a bit later this morning), but SDOT’s 25th SW repaving work in North Delridge is scheduled to start today.

8:01 AM: No details but there’s a medical call at 45th/Admiral with one engine on scene.

8:09 AM: If you’re inbound to West Seattle, note that SDOT reports a stalled vehicle on the westbound bridge. Fauntleroy end, per scanner.

8:22 AM: And as commenters are pointing out, the feeder routes are backed up too (the telltale red marks them on the SDOT map, which is always linked in these commute reports, above).

8:47 AM: Crash reported at West Marginal Way SW and Puget Way. Per scanner, it’s a vehicle rolled over on an embankment, everyone out. We’re heading that way.

9:13 AM: No traffic effects on W. Marginal. Pickup is in shrubbery off the road, southbound side.

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:52 AM: Good morning! Wet roads are the big news so far this morning. No incidents in/from West Seattle; though a crew was reported to be dealing with tree trouble on the eastbound Admiral Way hill earlier this morning, the city map shows normal traffic speed in that area now.

7:59 AM: Medical response at 37th/Admiral. Texter says pedestrian is hurt. On our way to check.

8:14 AM: Not there yet but getting messages that most lanes are blocked by the response, so avoid that area (Admiral near the viewpoint atop the hill to/from the bridge) for now. The SFD log shows two of its units are still on scene.

8:33 AM: Just arrived. Police can only tell us that one man was injured and is being taken to Harborview Medical Center. Apparently not life-threatening because the Traffic Collision Investigation team is not being called out, and police say they expect to clear the scene – which currently has one downhill lane blocked – within 15 minutes or so.

11:34 AM: SFD tells us that the victim is “a homeless male in his 70s (who) suffered serious injuries to head and leg.”

4:14 PM: In comments, the victim’s daughter-in-law says he is not homeless, and also is hoping to hear from witnesses.

5:10 PM: And another crash, this one affecting traffic headed back from the Seahawks game, among other westbound travelers – thanks to the reader who tipped us; Seattle Fire has just been dispatched to the westbound bridge, Fauntleroy end, before Walking On Logs. It’s reported to be a one-car crash; no word on whether anyone’s hurt.

5:15 PM: Per scanner, no one’s hurt, but it’ll take a bit to clear because the vehicle is sideways “blocking 1 1/2 lanes.”

5:30 PM: And now SDOT reports a crash on the southbound 99 ramp to the westbound WS Bridge.

6:10 PM: SDOT says the crash on the Fauntleroy end of the westbound bridge is now clear.