7:39 AM: Traffic reminder before we get to today’s other highlights: The northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct is closed, and scheduled to stay that way until 3:30 pm (we’ll update if it reopens earlier), because of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon/Half Marathon. See the full citywide closure list here.

4:04 PM: As pointed out in comments, 99 reopened an hour ago.

4:06 PM: Thought this one would be clear by peak pm commute, but it isn’t yet, so: A crash is blocking the right lane of the westbound bridge, Spokane Street Viaduct section, right by the 1st Avenue South ramps and Harbor Island exit. Scanner-monitored discussion seems to indicate tow availability is an issue. So if you are heading this way sometime soon, southbound 99 might be a better bet than anything to the east of it.

4:51 PM UPDATE: The traffic camera has been turned, so we can’t see the original scene, but checking other cameras, the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct seems to be moving OK. However, we’ve just heard police dispatched to the Marginal/Chelan/Delridge/etc. intersection for this afternoon’s anti-Shell protest. Can’t tell from the SDOT cameras what’s happening there (except that police are just arriving, and then going out of frame); we’re on the way to check it out.

5 PM: Also happening now: A mid-level SFD response on Bradford west of Avalon. They’re handling a deck fire.

5:25 PM: The fire response is way uphill from Avalon toward the Bradford dead-end, not affecting traffic. We also have just passed the five-ways intersection; police and a few demonstrators, one with a megaphone, are visible, and westbound traffic on West Marginal is backed up to a block south of the bridges.

5:35 PM: Passing back westbound 10 minutes later – the demonstrators aren’t there any more; a group of bicycle officers are under the flyover a short way north off the spur of West Marginal.

5:42 PM: TW pointed out in comments that RapidRide C Line is running slow; Metro has just texted to blame “traffic.” No further elaboration.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Happy Friday! It’s been quiet outbound, so far. Looking ahead:

THIS AFTERNOON/EVENING: As mentioned here, “Shell No” protesters say they will be back at Chelan/Marginal/etc. 4-6 pm.

SATURDAY: 5 am-3:30 pm, northbound Highway 99 will be closed from south of West Seattle to north of the Battery Street Tunnel for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon/Half-Marathon, along with other closures.

SUNDAY: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market moves into its new home, California SW between Alaska and Oregon (see the vendor map here). Hours remain the same, 10 am-2 pm; no parking/vehicles on that block 7 am-4 pm. The 44th/Alaska lot, previously home to the market, will be open for parking. … Also on Sunday, Washington State Ferries‘ summer schedule takes effect.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
So far, nothing out of the ordinary reported in the outbound commute.

SATURDAY CLOSURE ON NORTHBOUND 99: Daily reminder that northbound Highway 99, including the Alaskan Way Viaduct, from south of West Seattle to lower Queen Anne, is one of the roads around the area Saturday that will be closed to vehicles during the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon/Half Marathon. The 99 closure is scheduled for 5 am-3:30 pm Saturday. See all marathon-related area closures here.

7:33 AM: The return of Traffic Throwback Thursday: Can you place this 1955 view described as “30th and Avalon slide”? Looks like an eastward view toward what’s now Nucor.

Click the picture to see a Seattle Municipal Archives page with a larger version of the image.

7:42 AM: If you’re heading this way from north of downtown soon – Southbound 99 has a problem:

A crash also is reported on northbound 4th Avenue S. at Spokane – the SFD response is closed so it might not be a long-running problem.

8:03 AM: SDOT just tweeted that the scene on NB 4th Avenue S. is clear and all lanes are open. The southbound Battery St. Tunnel is NOT, yet.

8:15 AM: And now the southbound Battery St. Tunnel **is** open again, per SDOT. The surface is wet, though. There was some confusion about whether the NB side had been affected; Marco tweeted that while signage suggested it was, it was NOT, and remained open through this.

8:24 AM – ANOTHER WEEKEND NOTE: Haven’t mentioned this yet but Sunday brings the summer-schedule change for Washington State Ferries.

8:25 AM: The “low bridge” has closed to vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians so that vessel(s) can pass. If you didn’t already know this – the closures and reopenings are all noted on the @SDOTbridges Twitter account, as is this one.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:12 AM: As the heart of today’s morning commute approaches, nothing unusual is reported in or from our area so far.

7:24 AM: Two notes – reminder that if you travel Delridge Way past the Boren Building next hour, you might see something related to SDOT director Scott Kubly‘s visit to promote safety. We’re not exactly sure yet what form it’ll take but we’ll be there to report. And another reminder that the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct, from south of West Seattle to lower Queen Anne, is one of the roads around the area Saturday that will be closed to vehicles during the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon/Half Marathon. The 99 closure is scheduled for 5 am-3:30 pm Saturday. See the full area closure list here.

7:55 AM: Texter says a police officer on the bridge is “waving random people over.” Can’t help but wonder if it’s part of the aforementioned SDOT safety event … let us know if you were among the “random” people waved over. We’re in a backup on Avalon, in the meantime, checking something out while on the way to the event on Delridge.

8:05 AM: Never mind – via Twitter, people who’ve seen this say it’s just the usual patrol for bus-lane violators. No camera pointed in that direction right now. Meantime, we’re still heading eastbound, currently in the Andover-to-Delridge queue.

8:12 AM: SDOT’s camera on the five-way intersection isn’t working this morning, so we’ve just gone by to doublecheck the presumed absence of protesters. None in sight; today’s backups just seem to be “regular” backups.

8:18 AM: Headed southbound on Delridge, we stopped at a corner where a woman waited to cross with a baby in a stroller. **Ten cars passed by northbound, nobody stopped.** We waved our arms out the window trying to get the attention of the northbound drivers. Somebody southbound even went around us in the center turn lane. Why would you not stop for two minutes to let the woman and baby cross the street?

8:31 AM: Now at the Boren Building, where the event actually involves both schools housed here (the media advisory had only mentioned Arbor Heights, but STEM kids are here too).

They’re not actually stopping people on Delridge but rather in the parking lot pulling up to the south entrance of the building. Swag bags branded Vision Zero (which the advisory said are “grant-funded”) are being distributed. The $5 coffee cards mentioned in the original advisory are for Starbucks. We’re listening in as Kubly quizzes kids about safety know-how. Crosswalk refreshers seem in order. This school building will get two new crosswalks soon, by the way – one midblock going to the main entrance, one on the south end at Graham.

9:07 AM: Thanks to the texter who just sent word of a crash on Sylvan Way by Home Depot – blocking “uphill and the turn lane,” they report. One SFD unit just dispatched.

11:07 AM: Thanks to the texter who just tipped us that the 10:40 ferry from Vashon to Fauntleroy is running late because of a medical issue involving a passenger. Vessel Watch says it’s expected to dock around 11:13 am.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:14 AM: Again this morning, protesters are back on the road to Terminal 5 west of the low bridge; SDOT reports “minimal impact to general traffic at this time.” Also of note from SDOT – if you use 1st Avenue South, road work has closed the left lane just north of Spokane Street.

TONIGHT: Congratulations to the WSHS Class of 2015, graduating tonight at 6 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex – so things will be busy in that area.

SATURDAY VIADUCT CLOSURE REMINDER: We’ll be reminding you daily; northbound Highway 99, from south of West Seattle to lower Queen Anne, is one of the roads that’ll be closed around the area Saturday for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon/Half Marathon. The 99 closure is scheduled for 5 am-3:30 pm Saturday. See the full list here.

7:30 AM: We’ve gotten some texts about a big Seattle Police presence by the Delridge Community Center:

This is NOT about any incident in that area – it’s staging for the aforementioned protest, and more of the units headed out toward Terminal 5 as our crew stopped to check on the situation. For the past few days of protests, the response has mostly involved bicycles, but as you can see in our photo, this time a sizable number of squad cars are involved too, and you might want to pre-emptively avoid the North Delridge and vicinity approach to the low bridge until we see where all this is going.

7:57 AM: More police are arriving in the protest vicinity at Spokane/Marginal/Delridge/Chelan.

8:10 AM: Here’s an overview from Russ, looking north from the Alki Trail toward the protest zone.

One group of protesters who had been chained together, blocking part of a road, has gotten up and moved. Police are going to each group and warning them they’ll be arrested if they don’t move.

So far, we’ve seen two groups who moved on voluntarily. Russ also sends this view from further east:

8:30 AM: We asked members of the protest group if they planned to be back this afternoon (as they were yesterday). They said no – their focus is on the Port Commission meeting (1 pm, downtown waterfront).

8:37 AM: The situation at and near Terminal 5 may be winding down. Via scanner, police report “unhooking” the protesters who were blocking the flyover ramp from the low bridge.

8:56 AM: Definitely winding down; many of the extra officers have departed and the protester presence on the ground was down to the self-described “Grannies.”

9:23 AM: Traffic problem unrelated to the protest – stalled dump truck on the high bridge:

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo (from the passenger seat, they point out!). This is mentioned in comments, too. No info on how long it’ll take to clear.

9:49 AM: Via scanner, we hear police working on getting that truck cleared.

10:02 AM: SDOT says it’s cleared. Moving on to other news; thanks as always for tips, info, photos – so long as you can safely/legally call/text/send (as a passenger, or a bystander, or after you get to your destination), 206-293-6302, any time, 24/7.

2:18 PM: Postscript on morning protests – we called SPD to doublecheck after seeing at least one regional-media organization report that people were arrested toward the end. SPD spokesperson Det. Drew Michaud says no one was arrested; the six who were taken into custody were interviewed and released, *not* arrested.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:45 AM: Good morning! The new week is off and running. Notes and reminders:

NEW METRO SCHEDULE: Changes, additions, and restorations took effect on Saturday. (Here again is our list of the key West Seattle points.)

47TH/ADMIRAL SIGNAL, FINAL PHASE: Could start as soon as today, per SDOT’s announcement last week; we’ll be checking.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT SATURDAY: Road closures on Highway 99 as part of the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon. Northbound 99 is set to be closed 5 am-3:30 pm from S. Hudson (which is south of the West Seattle Bridge) to Roy St. (lower Queen Anne) – here’s the full list of closures.

7:33 AM: As the “Shell No” group had demonstrated at Marginal/Spokane again on Saturday and mentioned plans for today on its website, we just went by to check – nobody in view as of 7:30 am. Another note: Fog on the water, and we just heard a foghorn sounding from the Fauntleroy ferry dock vicinity, so if you’re traveling by water this morning, might be some effects.

(SCROLL DOWN for updates on protest near T-5)

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:39 AM: Good morning. We start the day with word that the entrance to the bridge on Delridge Way is or has been affected by anti-Shell protesters (thanks for the text). We had mentioned here earlier this week that “land blockades” were promised starting today; one subsequent update had said protesters would be gathering at Delridge Community Center Park this morning and heading toward Terminal 5 right about now. Per what we’re hearing on the scanner, police are with them. We’re on our way to find out more.

6:58 AM UPDATE: We’re on scene; about 30 protesters are blocking West Marginal on the north side of Spokane, the side that leads to Terminal 5, not in the eastbound direction.

This is NOT currently affecting travel unless you are T-5 bound. Note that you are likely to see/hear TV helicopters in the area as they get word of this.

(Also note, looking ahead, as we reported on Wednesday, a nighttime demonstration flotilla is planned off Don Armeni tonight.)

7:22 AM UPDATE: We’re continuing to monitor the rest of the commute, too, and it’s quiet so far. Meantime, the West Marginal protest on the north side of Spokane St. (east of Chelan Café) continues. Organizers had said this weekend is pivotal because the Shell vessels could leave for the Arctic as soon as next week. They also have protests scheduled Saturday and Monday.

7:47 AM: The five-way intersection there is important as a bicycle route to the low bridge.

Our crew confirms that bicycle riders are getting through just fine, too (photo added, above).

8:15 AM: The group is now heading BACK south onto Delridge; bicycle and motorcycle police are accompanying them to try to keep roads from being blocked. So if you’re heading toward the bridge via Delridge, you might consider waiting a bit.

8:43 AM: All clear now. Potential repeat this afternoon according to this Facebook event page.

4:01 PM: Protesters were planning to gather near the west end of the low bridge to strategize about possibly trying to blockade Terminal 5 before a shift that they say starts at 4:30 pm. Police on bicycles were spotted heading that way about an hour ago. We’ll have a separate story IF anything happens affecting general traffic. Otherwise, check back here.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! Two reminders as we start this morning’s watch:

IF YOU’RE BICYCLING TODAY … take a few minutes to stop at the weekly West Seattle Cyclery Tent just west of the low bridge, where you’ll find not only Brad from WSC with coffee and support but also Mike from AAA (WSB sponsor) with info about the American Lung Association-benefiting Ride Around the Sound, 6:30-9:30 am.

IF YOU USE METRO … a reminder that big changes kick in on Saturday; here’s our breakdown of how West Seattle routes will be affected.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:14 AM: Good morning! Another routine commute so far. One note for later: It’s an early-dismissal day for Seattle Public Schools – students will be out two hours earlier than usual.

7:41 AM: If you use 4th Avenue to get into downtown – SDOT reports “police activity” has blocked a lane at Main in Pioneer Square.

8:08 AM: SDOT says that’s clear. No other problems between here and downtown right now.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:29 AM: Good morning! Quiet again so far this morning. We’ll update if that changes. Since our Monday traffic watch, one advance alert has come in:

47th/ADMIRAL SIGNAL UPDATE: After a stopdown while awaiting delivery of the signal equipment, the final phase of work is likely to start next week, SDOT announced:

As soon as Monday, June 8, work will resume at the intersection of 47th Avenue SW and SW Admiral Way. … We anticipate approximately 3-4 more weeks of construction while the signal is installed and configured. After we receive the signal equipment, crews will:
· Install signal equipment including poles and mast arms, signal heads and cabinets
· Stripe the intersection with new crosswalks and a new left-turn pocket on SW Admiral Way
· Remove the existing overhead pedestrian signal
· Complete remaining landscaping

When construction resumes, residents, businesses, and travelers can expect the following impacts:
· Construction activity from 7 AM – 4 PM
· Pedestrian and bicycle detours around the work areas
· Temporary parking and lane restrictions on 47th Avenue SW, SW Admiral Way and SW Waite Street
· Noise and activity from construction equipment and vehicles

ADDED 8:16 AM: Still quiet, per all the sources we monitor (scanner, transportation/public-safety agencies on Twitter, incoming messaging channels). One more reminder: If you want to tell the City Council something about the proposed Transportation Levy as it stands now, a special evening public hearing is set for 5:30 tonight at City Hall downtown – more info here.

8:34 AM: Transit alert – Metro has just sent a text alert that “the last Route 55 trip from 44th SW and SW Atlantic (scheduled for) 8:17 am is delayed about 30-40 minutes.”

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
7:02 AM: Good morning. Nothing out of the ordinary through/from West Seattle so far.

9:31 AM NOTE: And it stayed that way. The rain’s back, though.

12:59 PM: In case you’re heading this way from points north – note that I-5 southbound is not a good choice right now because of a crash near the exit to the westbound West Seattle Bridge. (Thanks to the person who tipped us! Check the newest WSDOT camera image here.)

SIDE NOTE: While we’re talking traffic, remember the bridge-ramp alerts for Sunday.

1:20 PM: SDOT says the ramp is open again; beware of residual backups.

Maybe you saw the portable sign while outbound today, saying SPOKANE RAMP CLOSED MAY 31st. It’s more than that – there are changes Sunday for both directions of the bridge. SDOT just sent the details:

Roadway Structures crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation will perform maintenance work near the western end of the West Seattle Bridge on Sunday (May 31) between 5:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Traffic flaggers will assist large trucks and buses through the eastbound on-ramp from SW Avalon Way/ Harbor Avenue SW at Spokane Street, but general traffic will be detoured at several locations as follows:

· The SW Admiral Way off-ramp from the high-level West Seattle Bridge will be closed. Westbound traffic can continue to Harbor Avenue SW/SW Avalon Street and use SW Manning Street to access SW Admiral Way, or continue on SW Avalon Way to Fauntleroy Way SW.

· Traffic intending to travel eastbound to SW Spokane Street will be detoured at SW Genesee Street to northbound Delridge Way SW. From Delridge, depending on their destinations, drivers can access the eastbound lanes of the West Seattle Bridge or turn left at SW Spokane Street.

· If drivers northbound on SW Avalon Way miss the detour on SW Genesee Street, they can continue to SW Manning Street to access SW Admiral Way.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:52 AM: Good morning and happy Friday. No outbound problems reported so far. One big alert for today: One block of California SW in The Junction, between Alaska and Oregon, will be closed to vehicles all day for the KEXP Hood-To-Hood Challenge street party – here’s our latest preview, including information on the closure and one Metro reroute. The closure was scheduled to start as early as 6 am; the traffic camera in that area is turned south instead of north, so we’re headed that way shortly to check on its status.

7:03 AM: Local transportation-related news – the West Seattle Transportation Coalition, an all-volunteer community group, elected new board members last night; here are the results. WSTC meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm, Neighborhood House’s High Point Center; next meeting, June 25th.

7:34 AM: We’ve confirmed, the aforementioned block of California IS closed for street-party setup and will remain so into the evening (possibly as late as 9 pm, depending on how long breakdown takes):

On both ends of the party zone, though, Alaska and Oregon ARE open.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:43 AM: The major outbound routes are quiet so far in the early going.

METRO CHANGES AHEAD: In case you missed our Wednesday story, here’s how the first major round of bus service addition/restoration will play out in West Seattle starting June 6th, as announced by Metro. (The second round is in September.)

8:06 AM: Still quiet. A reminder for tonight – West Seattle Transportation Coalition meets, 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way), all welcome, and the agenda will include at-large City Council candidates John Roderick (Position 8) and West Seattle resident Alon Bassok (Position 9) talking about their newly announced “neighborhood rail” proposal.

8:42 AM: Belatedly, we did find a Traffic Throwback Thursday photo in the Seattle Municipal Archives. From 1957:

That’s described as “24th Ave. SW facing north from Delridge Way. [Petition of property owners for vacation of portion of 24th SW].” Click the image to go to the archive page with a much-bigger version – including details on the billboards at right.

9:26 AM: If you’re headed toward southbound I-5 – DON’T. There’s a major crash at mid-Boeing Field and WSP is advising avoiding the area.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:52 AM: Good morning! Quiet so far in/from West Seattle and vicinity.

6:58 AM: From the scanner: ‘Large piece of wood in middle lane’ somewhere on the westbound West Seattle Bridge. Police will be looking for it.

7:06 AM: They found and removed it.

7:55 AM: Texter says an SPD motorcycle officer is busting bus-lane violators this morning. (We appreciate tips, so long as you can text/call safely & legally – while a passenger, or after you get where you’re going – 206-293-6302 is our 24/7 hotline!)

8:03 AM: After we mentioned that on Twitter, Amy replied that she saw a traffic-enforcement officer on West Marginal this morning, too.

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:31 AM: Back to work and school for most today; so far here in the early going, nothing unusual in, or outbound from, West Seattle.

ROAD WORK ALERTS: Seattle Public Utilities says the Monday-Saturday lane closure at Orchard/Delridge will continue into mid-June … Tomorrow (Wednesday), SDOT plans to inspect the Schmitz Park Bridge 9 am-3 pm.

9:09 AM – MORNING COMMUTE SUMMARY: Quiet. No “motor-vehicle incident” responses in or near WS. But we continue tracking it all around the clock, with your help … if you see or hear about something (and it’s safe/legal for you to call/text), please let us know, 206-293-6302. Thank you!

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
The 3-day holiday weekend is almost here. No problems in/from West Seattle so far. Here are the Memorial Day reminders again:

MEMORIAL DAY TRANSIT NOTES: On Monday – Metro will be on its Sunday schedule; the West Seattle Water Taxi will also be on a Sunday schedule; and Sound Transit Route 560 too. Regular weekday schedule for the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth Washington State Ferries route; here’s the system-wide overview.