Just to clarify where things stand on Highway 99 this morning:

As announced Saturday evening, the Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection is over. So Highway 99 from here to the north end of downtown is open.

But as previously scheduled (and mentioned in our advance alerts), the Hot Chocolate Run has closed Highway 99 both ways until noon today from the Battery Street Tunnel northward. As WSDOT explains, “The closure starts at the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel and ends just south of the Woodland Park Zoo.” So if you’re heading north on 99, until that closure ends, you’ll have to exit at Western.

2:12 PM: If you were planning on heading east – wait a while if you possibly can. The crash shown in the SDOT image above is blocking lanes and backing up traffic, which means extra trouble since the Alaskan Way Viaduct remains closed for its twice-yearly inspection.

2:58 PM: We’re seeing a tow truck in the live image – shouldn’t be too much longer.

3:12 PM: And … it’s clear.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:52 AM: Good morning. No incidents in/from West Seattle right now. One more reminder about the Alaskan Way Viaduct/Highway 99 closures this weekend – the Viaduct closes 6 am-6 pm Saturday, and again 6 am-6 pm Sunday if needed, for its twice-a-year inspection; Highway 99 north of the Battery Street Tunnel closes 6 am-noon Sunday for the Hot Chocolate Run. Here are full details; and here’s the info about bus reroutes.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:14 AM: We start this morning with an incident at Delridge/Orchard. A texter says it’s a collision involving a bicycle rider. We’re on our way to find out.

6:30 AM: The medical call at the intersection has closed, meaning SFD crews are no longer involved.

6:33 AM: Our crew has arrived and the scene’s completely clear – no police, either. If anyone had been seriously hurt, investigators would still be on scene; we’ll call around later this morning to follow up. Meantime:

WEEKEND VIADUCT/HIGHWAY 99 REMINDER: WSDOT plans its twice-yearly inspection of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, starting Saturday 6 am-6 pm and continuing Sunday 6 am-6 pm if needed; separate from the inspection, Highway 99 will be closed both ways north of the Battery Street Tunnel 6 am-noon on Sunday for the Hot Chocolate Run – get the specifics here.

7:52 AM: Commenters are reporting a truck problem on NB 99 “at the top of the S-curves.”

7:54 AM: SDOT now finally has this:

7:58 AM: … and now SDOT says it’s cleared but “residual backup remains.”

8:45 AM: Again this morning, we’re getting reports that the northbound school-zone lights on Fauntleroy by Gatewood Elementary aren’t working, but that the speed cam seems to be. We’ve asked those who mentioned this to be sure to report it to SDOT, but if they did, it hasn’t been fixed yet, so we’re checking with SDOT and should have a separate story later today.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:34 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported currently in or from West Seattle. Reminders:

BUS-LANE CRACKDOWN THIS MORNING: Today’s the day that SPD plans a bus-lane enforcement operation, 7-9 am.

VIADUCT CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: The semi-annual inspection of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will shut it down Saturday 6 am-6 pm and possibly also Sunday; that day will begin, separate from the inspection, with a closure north of the Battery Street Tunnel for the Hot Chocolate Run. Full details here.

7:20 AM: One more reminder for tonight – if you’ve got questions about the upcoming Fauntleroy Expressway closures to re-replace earthquake-safety cushions (here’s our most-recent story), a briefing is part of the Southwest District Council meeting tonight, 6:30 pm at the Sisson Building (Senior Center) in The Junction.

7:54 PM: Thanks for the text (206-293-6302 any time)! If you’re noticing SFD at 41st/42nd/Alaska (SDOT cam here), it’s an automatic fire alarm call in the Altamira/QFC/etc. building.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:03 AM: Welcome to March! The National Weather Service has a wind advisory out for later today, noon-9 pm. Here’s what else you should know as the day begins:

–Water Taxi fares increase today – see the new prices here
–Advance alert of bus-lane enforcement on the bridge tomorrow morning
-Remember the Alaskan Way Viaduct is closing for its twice-yearly inspection this weekend
-The megaship that arrived at Harbor Island yesterday is due to head back out this morning around 8 am.

7:39 AM: Thanks to Living In The Wild West for the comment tip – we’ve just confirmef the signals at Avalon/Harbor/Spokane are flashing. Not a major backup factor so far as we can tell.

8:26 AM: A vehicle fire at California/Fauntleroy has led to a call for police to help direct traffic. We’re headed over to find out more.

8:32 AM: Not a major fire – the vehicle is blocking a northbound lane on California just south of Fauntleroy; SFD has already left but SPD is with it.

8:37 AM: We had a question earlier about a backup on the Fauntleroy approach to the bridge. In comments, CandrewB says there is (or was) a crash by Nucor. Neither SDOT – which is checking now that we mentioned it – nor any of the other dozen-plus sources we monitor had any word of it, so we didn’t either.

10:30 AM: Crash reported on the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct, blocking the two left lanes at Seneca.

10:31 AM: Also sounds from the scanner like there’s a problem on Fairmount Avenue in the ravine and there’ll be traffic control added at Harbor to keep people from heading partway up and having to turn around.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:30 AM: Welcome to the final day of February. A few notes to start:

BIGGEST SHIP EVER TO STOP HERE: If you’re watching for the Benjamin Franklin – it’s just starting to pass north Bainbridge Island, per MarineTraffic.com.

VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: This Saturday is the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s next inspection closure, 6 am-6 pm. Sunday only if needed, as WSDOT told the West Seattle Transportation Coalition last week.

WATER TAXI FARES RISE TOMORROW: March 1st brings a fare increase for the Water Taxi – see the West Seattle rates (new in blue) here.

7:07 AM: Car fire on NB I-5’s “collector-distributor” by Dearborn – could affect traffic north of the bridge. Meantime, the Benjamin Franklin is now in Elliott Bay. We just passed groups of shipwatchers at vantage points including Luna/Anchor Park. Separate story later, but for now, we’ll be updating here.

7:28 AM: It’s now southward, headed for Harbor Island. We’re watching from Jack Block. Check our Twitter feed for photos.

7:54 AM: And it’s now in the East Waterway, arriving at Harbor Island. Our last view from JB Park:

Meantime, rain’s returned.

8:24 AM: Motorcycle vs. semitruck crash reported on Harbor Island, 16th SW and SW Lander.

8:35 AM: Sounds like the motorcycle rider, a 31-year-old man, will be OK – hand and arm injuries, per scanner.

8:59 AM: One more note about the big boat – thanks for the photos! – we’ll be including a gallery with our coverage of the welcoming event that’s coming up at the Port later this morning.

(Added: WSB photo)

3:13 PM: Thanks for the tips – a utility pole in the 4100 block of Delridge is apparently leaning far enough over to be a risk, and one tipster says police are blocking off southbound Delridge there. We’re on our way to check it out.

3:16 PM: Update via scanner – Delridge is being blocked both ways, and traffic is being diverted west to 25th.

3:32 PM: Update – this is actually in the 4800 block of Delridge, just south of Edmunds. Adding a photo. If you are heading southbound, you’ll have to turn onto Edmunds; we’re off to check where it’s blocked on the NB side.

3:44 PM: On the northbound side of Delridge, it’s blocked at Hudson. If you detour to 25th or 26th, please go slow – as Tina points out in the comment section, it’s residential (and 26th is a greenway).

5:33 PM: Still closed but City Light is on scene fixing.

6:36 PM: We just went by one more time, and the work is done, road is reopened.

(Common merganser, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

The weekend’s in view, and here’s where it begins – with Friday highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and archives:

RESTAURANT OPENING: As first reported here three weeks ago, Meander’s has returned, taking over what was Kokoras Greek Grill in Morgan Junction, whose owners sold the restaurant, to retire. Opening day was scheduled to start at 8 am. (6400 California SW)

LOUISA BOREN K-8 STEM TOURS: Two sets of tours this morning – 9:30-11 am for prospective K-5 families, 10:15-11:45 am for prospective middle school families. More here. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS @ EASY STREET: The hip-hop duo’s new album is out today and they’ll be at Easy Street Records tonight for one hour of signing (not performing). ESR has published this “what you need to know list” including, most importantly, if you pre-ordered and are on the list of people who get to meet them, you’ve already been notified. Line starts at 5, signing at 6, and ESR says they’re out of here after an hour. (California/Alaska)

MOVIE NIGHT AT HIGHLAND PARK: Have fun at HPES:

It’s Family Movie Night at Highland Park Elementary! We will be showing “The Good Dinosaur.” The cost is $1. Doors open at 6:00 pm, show starts at 6:30 pm. There will be popcorn and baked goods for sale, and a huge raffle. All are welcome!

(1012 SW Trenton)

PLAY GAMES! Three groups meet tonight at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor), at 6:30 and 7 pm – see the sidebar lineup on the Meeples home page and drop in if you’re interested; RSVPs are cool too. (3727 California SW)

ROO FORREST AND FRIENDS: “An eclectic mix of originals” at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. (5612 California SW)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: If you’re interested in helping shape how the city’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) happens – 8 pm tonight is your deadline to apply to be on one of the “community focus groups” the city is setting up. Details are in our original report.

CASCADIAN DIRT ROCK AND DRAMACORE … are the genres for tonight’s live, no-cover bands at Parliament Tavern, 8:30 pm – Devils Hunt Me Down and Spit in the Well. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:59 AM: Heading for the heart of the commute, we have a report of a crash blocking one lane on northbound 99 at Lander.

7:06 AM: The vehicles are now on the shoulder (as our fifth camera above shows).

7:15 AM – WEEKEND REMINDER: If you’ll be out late Saturday night-early Sunday, remember the lane closures on northbound I-5 between Highway 599 and I-90 – details are on the right side of this WSDOT alert page.

7:35 AM – JUNCTION REMINDER FOR TONIGHT: Between 5 and 7 pm, you’ll see a crowd outside Easy Street Records at California/Alaska because of the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis signing event. ESR has published this “what you need to know” list – including, if you’re on THE list to get in, you’ve already been notified.

8:18 AM: The Highway 99 crash that’s been on the shoulder for an hour-plus has finally cleared, says SDOT.

SPEAKING OF HIGHWAY 99 – ALERTS FOR NEXT WEEKEND: As first reported here last night, the next Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closure will be a week from tomorrow, 6 am-6 pm Saturday, March 5th with Sunday in reserve just in case WSDOT needs more time); Sunday, March 6th, is already set for morning closures NORTH OF the Battery Street Tunnel for the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K run.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:43 AM: Another morning off to a relatively quiet start – no incidents in or from West Seattle.

Two reminders:

TRANSPORTATION COALITION TALKS VIADUCT CLOSURE TONIGHT: Now that Highway 99 tunneling has resumed, planning continues for an Alaskan Way Viaduct closure once the tunnel machine goes beneath that structure. The West Seattle Transportation Coalition gets briefed tonight – all welcome; bring your questions. 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way).

SATURDAY NIGHT/SUNDAY MORNING I-5 LANE CLOSURES: Repair work will close up to 4 lanes of NB I-5 between Highway 599 and I-90, 10:30 pm Saturday to 5 am Sunday.

8:24 AM: Seattle Fire units have just been dispatched to a crash on northbound I-5 at I-90, so that could affect the exit from the eastbound bridge to I-5.

8:36 AM: This crash is now reported to be blocking three lanes. So if you’re headed northbound, you’ll want to either wait, or plan an alternative to I-5 for now.

8:50 AM: The lanes have reopened, but the NB I-5 backup is reported to be five miles – which will take a while to clear.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:47 AM: Good morning! No incidents in or from West Seattle so far.

9:01 AM: After a quiet commute, we do have a look ahead to Thursday night, when the West Seattle Transportation Coalition returns to its regular meeting space, 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way), and the agenda includes planning for the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure once the Highway 99 tunneling machine goes beneath it – timely since tunneling just resumed yesterday. From the agenda:

I. Membership Business – Vote for newest Board Member. Board positions open for May!

II. Vision Zero / 20mph: Gordon Padelford

III. Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program – Molly Freed; Brief presentation on the Viaduct replacement and closure information plus Q&A

IV. King County Metro – Chris Arkills; Update on Metro’s role during viaduct shut down.

V. Discussion on WSTC’s Sound Transit 3 Survey and Next Steps

All are welcome.

9:46 AM: Two problems to mention: A stalled vehicle blocking the left lane on northbound I-5 just north of the West Seattle Bridge, and a car fire at 16th/Roxbury.

9:50 AM: Advance alert for northbound I-5 in our area on Saturday night/Sunday morning:

Drivers heading into downtown Seattle on northbound Interstate 5 should prepare for possible delays overnight Saturday, Feb. 27-28. Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will close multiple lanes of the freeway to repair overhead lane control signs.

Closure details
-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 28
-Up to four left lanes of northbound I-5 from State Route 599 to Interstate 90 will be closed.
-The northbound I-5 off-ramp to Corson Avenue South/South Michigan Street will be closed.
-All northbound I-5 traffic will be rerouted to the collector-distributor lanes at the I-90 off-ramp and back on the mainline just before the Cherry Street on-ramp from 2 to 2:30 a.m.

(Photo by Andi Szilagyi)

11:20 AM: Avoid California/Alaska – a jackknifed truck is blocking most of the intersection. No injuries. Police have arrived to direct traffic.

11:24 UPDATE: The camera view now shows the truck has moved a bit and is now blocking one northbound lane, north of the intersection.

11:36 AM: A tow truck has just arrived.

11:44 AM: Scratch that – it’s actually Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, which will be taking a report, and is hoping to get the truck moved further along within the next quarter-hour or so:

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:34 AM: No traffic incidents in/from West Seattle so far. It’s clear and chilly, though, and if you have a vehicle parked outdoors, you might have to scrape your windshield.

7:06 AM: Note for tonight – Seattle Sounders FC home game (vs. Club America), 7 pm, so even if you’re not going to the game, be aware the stadium zone in SODO will be busy.

8:01 AM: SDOT has fixed what is usually the fourth camera in our traffic-watch stack above – the view of the Fauntleroy approach to the bridge. If your view is still stuck on February 19th, try refreshing – we’ve doublechecked and it should now be showing a current (and busy!) view.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:03 AM: Good morning! We start with an alert for sometime today, at 15th and Holden in Highland Park:

Traffic on SW Holden Street near the intersection of 15th Avenue SW and SW Holden Street may be impacted for up to an hour on Monday, Feb. 22, while the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) conducts electrical work to activate the newly installed pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection. Seattle Police will be present at the work zone to maintain two-way traffic during this work, which will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pedestrian and bicycle access will remain open.

As the full alert on the city website notes, this is part of the Delridge-Highland Park Neighborhood Greenway project. Its website also notes work starting this week on a stairway along the route, and includes progress reports and photos from other spots.

WATER TAXI FYI: If you’re interested in previewing this year’s spring/summer schedule, which takes effect in early April, it’s now posted on the Water Taxi website.

FIRST REPORT, 5:53 PM: SW Genesee is blocked from 42nd SW east because of what Seattle Public Utilities tells us is a “collapsed sewer main.” Crews are on scene investigating, to figure out the problem and how to repair it. More to come – in the meantime, avoid the area.

6:21 PM UPDATE: We’ve just talked with crew chiefs at the scene. The problem actually originated atop the bluff where 41st dead-ends on the east side of Seattle Lutheran High School. This board covers a “void” (aka sinkhole) there:

It was discovered after one house on the dead-end had a sewer-backup problem, the crew says. They are working at the bottom of the slope, on Genesee, to stop the flow that apparently had some wastewater coming up through a manhole.

Then, they told us, they have to use a camera to look into the lines to figure out how extensive the problem is before bringing in a contractor for repairs, likely on Monday – if the problem extends through the slope, it’ll be a major repair job.

As for the road closures – the crew is likely to be there another few hours. Updates as we get them.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:31 AM: Good morning! Friday has arrived. No area incidents so far.

8:48 AM: Still no incidents to report but one weekend alert – eastbound I-90 lane closures you should know about, if you’re planning to cross the lake. WSDOT has details.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:38 AM: No incidents in or from West Seattle so far this morning.

‘WALK-INS’ REMINDER: If your route takes you past a public school, you might see one of the “walk-in” gatherings over the next two-plus hours. Teachers, staff, parents, and community members are gathering to show support for schools and for fully financing them. Here’s our list of West Seattle plans. It’s not a march, so no traffic effects are expected, and all schools will start on time as participants “walk in” together before the bell.

7:52 AM: Still an incident-less commute. Our standard reminder, if you see something worth an alert – and are *not* behind the wheel – let us know so we can help alert others, 206-293-6302, text or voice.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

7:02 AM: So far this morning, no major incidents on the routes through/from West Seattle.

One major reminder: Seattle Public Schools are back in session today.

9:27 AM: One note looking ahead to tonight – SDOT reps are among the guests at tonight’s Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting, 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), to look at the Delridge Multimodal Corridor Project and more, including the Bataan Park/Graham Street Stairwell in High Point. All welcome.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:33 AM: We start with Viaduct trouble – a reported car fire has closed northbound 99 at the Battery Street Tunnel.

6:40 AM: Whatever it was, it was short-lived – a WSB tipster confirms what SDOT has just tweeted, that the tunnel is already back open.

6:44 AM: One reminder for today – it’s the second and final day of Seattle Public Schools‘ abbreviated mid-winter break.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:03 AM: It’s Presidents Day, which means some changes:

–Seattle Public Schools are closed today and tomorrow (and most others)

–Metro is on a “reduced weekday” schedule

–No Water Taxi

–Most government facilities – including Seattle Parks and Seattle Public Library branches – are closed

10:18 AM: Crash on northbound 99 by the Battery Street Tunnel, blocking all lanes at last report.

5:43 PM: The onramp to the eastbound bridge from lower Spokane, by Fire Station 36, has been blocked for about two hours now, with what’s described only as a “fuel spill.” The nearby Delridge onramp remains open, though.

6:22 PM: The ramp mentioned above is open again.

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

6:12 AM: Good morning! First, another thanks to Azimuth for finding the other high-bridge camera, which still isn’t back on the SDOT list, buried beneath another camera in a click on the city’s Travelers Information Map. It’s taken its place at top left.

Remember that Monday is the Presidents Day holiday – plus the first of two days off in an abbreviated midwinter break for most local students. For transportation, Metro will be on a “reduced weekday” schedule Monday, while the Water Taxi routes will not run at all. (Added: Washington State Ferries will be on their regular schedule.)

Today, though, everything’s as usual. If you see something unusual and can safely/legally use your phone, text or call us at 206-293-6302.

8:27 AM: Remains a relatively quiet commute in/from our area. One more note – if you’ll be driving in the Junction area tonight, the work at Fauntleroy/Alaska is expected to continue into next week, so be aware of a potential overnight detour by that corner.