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

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

7:01 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle reported so far. Weather-wise, it’s even colder this morning – low 20s right now in Seattle, and the colder-than-normal (but dry) weather will continue at least through tomorrow.

ROAD CLOSURE ALERTS: Four closures coming up in the days/nights ahead, as published here last night – two closures of northbound Highway 99, Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning, and then two involving part of the west end of the West Seattle Bridge, Sunday night into Monday morning and Monday night into Tuesday morning. Full details of both sets are here.

8:59 AM: Per scanner, police are responding to a crash reported in the West Seattle HS area (3000 block of California). No one hurt, no traffic-blocking, but the emergency response could change that, so we’re mentioning it.

10 AM: If you’re heading toward the Viaduct downtown, avoid the 1st/Columbia entrance – there is an incident there reported to involve vehicles and a seriously injured pedestrian.

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

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

7:02 AM: Good morning – another sunny, cold day ahead, according to the forecast. Nothing unusual currently reported on the roads/paths in/from West Seattle.

8:12 AM: Still nothing out of the ordinary reported.

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

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

6:56 AM: Good morning! The holidays are over, school’s back in session, and it’s in the 20s this morning – watch out for ice, especially outside the major arterials; “Near- or sub-freezing temperatures will continue through Thursday,” the National Weather Service says. Traffic-wise, no incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.

THANK YOU: As we all get back up to speed for the still-new year, we want to thank you in advance for your help during what’s now our 10th year of community-collaborative news coverage via WSB … if you see traffic/transportation trouble that your West Seattle neighbors should know about and we’re not already on it, please let us know *if and when you can do so safely/legally* … if you’re a passenger, or when you get to where you’re going. (We monitor many infostreams but some things just don’t show up in any of them.)

7:39 AM: Via Twitter, @dneidorff reports seeing a C Line bus being towed from the Westwood area.

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

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

7:38 AM: Good morning! Since New Year’s Day was on a Sunday, the holiday is observed today. If you still have to be out and about this morning, watch out for ice – it’s just below freezing – and be aware of these transit/transportation changes:

METRO: Sunday schedule.

WATER TAXI: The West Seattle and Vashon runs both are NOT in service today.

SOUND TRANSIT: Route 560 (and light rail) are on Sunday schedules.

STREET PARKING: For the neighborhoods with city-operated pay stations, this is a free-parking day.

Most schools are still out today but resume tomorrow.

P.S. Also closed today: Most government facilities (here’s the Seattle Parks closure info). Banks are closed; the U.S. Postal Service is off, too. But Seattle Public Library branches are OPEN.

1:24 PM: Thanks for the texts – a crash at 35th and Avalon has been blocking part of the intersection for more than half an hour. The southbound lanes through the intersection just reopened a minute ago, but one lane remains blocked by one of the vehicles involved, as currently shown in the “live” SDOT webcam view above, so avoid the area for a while if you can.

1:40 PM: Tow trucks are on scene.

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

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

7:43 AM: Quiet Friday morning. Transit/transportation schedules are normal TODAY, but since New Year’s Day is on Sunday, as was Christmas, it will be “observed” on Monday, and here are the changes you’ll see then:

METRO: Sunday schedule on Monday.

WATER TAXI: The West Seattle and Vashon runs both will NOT be in service Monday.

SOUND TRANSIT: Route 560 (and light rail) will run Sunday schedules on Monday.

STREET PARKING: For the neighborhoods with city-operated pay stations, Monday will be a free-parking day.

8:10 AM: Still quiet. Two more notes:
–WSF says the South Vashon (Tahlequah-Point Defiance) route will return to service tomorrow (Saturday).
–The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is closed again this Sunday, so California SW in The Junction will be open to vehicle traffic between Oregon and Alaska instead of the usual closure.

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

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

7:25 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle so far.

EARLY REMINDER: Since New Year’s Day, like Christmas, falls on a Sunday, next Monday is again the “observed” holiday. (School doesn’t resume until Tuesday.)

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

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

5:45 AM: Launching traffic watch earlier than usual because of a crash on the bridge. Thanks for the tips! SDOT says all westbound lanes are blocked on the Fauntleroy end and one eastbound lane. No injuries, apparently, because SFD was not dispatched. If you are headed WSB, Donna says, you’ll be detoured off at Admiral.

5:53 AM: This photo tweeted by @metpatrick22 shows a bus hitting the jersey barrier, and a car facing the wrong way toward screen right:

C Line and Route 21 are as a result of this routed off westbound Fauntleroy, Metro says.

6:02 AM: SDOT says one westbound lane has reopened. This camera view shows the bus being towed.

6:10 AM: All lanes have reopened, per SDOT. No other incidents working in or near West Seattle right now.

6:20 AM: We should mention again that the South Vashon ferry route (Tahlequah-Point Defiance) remains out of service, at least until Friday, so Fauntleroy terminal traffic will continue to be heavier.

9:04 AM: If you’ll be on southbound 99 on the north side of downtown today, be aware of this: “SDOT will close left lane of SB SR99 … today north of Battery St tunnel to Virginia St from 10 am-2 pm for rail work.”

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

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

7:02 AM: Good morning. While transit schedules are back to normal today, Metro has sent word – after the fact – of one West Seattle trip that didn’t happen:

Washington State Ferries’ south Vashon run (Tahlequah-Point Defiance) is still out of service, so Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth will likely be seeing heavier usage again today.

On the roads – no problems reported so far this morning.

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

Since Christmas Day was on a Sunday, today is an official holiday. Here are the transit changes:

METRO: Sunday schedule.

WATER TAXI: The West Seattle and Vashon runs both are NOT in service.

SOUND TRANSIT: Route 560 (and light rail) are on run Sunday schedules.

STREET PARKING: For the neighborhoods with city-operated pay stations, this is a free-parking day.

Also, while Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on a normal schedule, usage is likely to be heavier than usual because the South Vashon run (Tahlequah-Point Defiance) remains out of service.

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

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

7:02 AM: We start this rainy morning with word of a crash that’s blocking the ramp from the West Seattle Bridge to southbound I-5.

Also, the Olson/Myers signal light is still (or again) reported to be malfunctioning.

And a Winter Weather Advisory has been announced for noon today to 3 am Saturday – possible snow.

LOOKING AHEAD: Transit/transportation schedules are normal TODAY, but since Christmas Day is on Sunday this year, you’ll see schedule changes on Monday (December 26th):

METRO: Sunday schedule on Monday.

WATER TAXI: The West Seattle and Vashon runs both will NOT be in service Monday.

SOUND TRANSIT: Route 560 (and light rail) will run Sunday schedules on Monday.

STREET PARKING: For the neighborhoods with city-operated pay stations, Monday will be a free-parking day.

7:27 AM: WSDOT says the crash on the ramp from the bridge to SB I-5 has cleared.

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

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

7:42 AM: Good morning! Abbreviated traffic watch this morning – but it’s pretty quiet out there anyway. Traffic times around the region are faster than usual, says WSDOT. No incidents in the vicinity. No weather alerts, either.

7:55 AM: Reader report – blinking signal lights at Olson Place/Myers Way. (Remember, that means it’s an all-ways stop.)

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

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

7:02 AM: Good morning. It’s a rainy Monday, first day of winter break for schools. No major problems reported in West Seattle or on the outbound routes right now.

7:11 AM: Note that there is a weather alert through 11 am for potential coastal flooding – high tide is at 9:24 am, 12.5 feet, half a foot lower than the tide that came up over the Alki seawall back on Friday, but still high, especially with some wind in the mix.

7:42 AM: Two incidents to note – via Twitter, @klang reports a problem on the Alaskan Way Viaduct NB, just before the Battery Street Tunnel. Not on the real-time 911 log. But a West Seattle incident is – a medic response in Arbor Heights, 35th SW/SW 106th. We’re on our way to find out what’s happening there.

7:53 AM: John says via Twitter that a pedestrian was hit by a driver – the particular level of medic response in this call usually means pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist. No information on condition so far. Meantime, there also is a response right now downtown at 1st and Columbia (by the entrance to the southbound AWV) for an incident that also reportedly involves a pedestrian, and scanner traffic indicates 1st is blocked.

7:58 AM: Back to the Arbor Heights incident [photo above] – police confirm what John told us, that it was hit-run and they are looking for the driver. The victim was taken to the hospital by private ambulance, indicating non-life-threatening injuries, and SFD cleared the scene shortly after we arrived.

Meantime, yet another incident – Kevin just tweeted about a crash “just past the crest” of the high bridge, with one car facing the wrong way.

8:08 AM: That was in the right lane of the eastbound bridge when Kevin’s C Line bus passed it. Meantime, SDOT says the 1st/Columbia scene downtown is now clear.

8:12 AM: There’s no camera view of the bridge crash but a texter says that it’s causing issues with people trying to exit to 99, and that police are on the scene.

8:25 AM: New trouble report – via text, stoplight at 4th and Roxbury is reported to be malfunctioning. Remember, a broken/out signal means it’s an all-ways stop.

8:30 AM: Added above – the SDOT camera was at least fleetingly on the right-lane bridge wreck and we recorded a bit of video. Tow truck now on scene.

8:47 AM: Scene clear, says SDOT. Thanks again to everyone who messaged about this – SDOT’s first mention lagged while, so tips were vital.

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

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

7:02 AM: Good morning! Winter break starts this afternoon for local students; it’s one-hour-early dismissal for Seattle Public Schools. No incidents in or from this area so far this morning.

7:32 AM: It’s below freezing but no snow concerns – the newest “forecast discussion” says there’s a possibilities of flurries or “light snow showers” tomorrow but otherwise precipitation and low temps aren’t expected to collide.

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

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

6:30 AM: The main weather word is “cold,” says the National Weather Service. Two more notes:

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: If you travel through the stadium zone – be aware that it’s game night, Seahawks hosting the Rams, 5:25 pm. Here’s the SDOT alert.

SECOND-TO-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: Tomorrow is the last day before winter break for Seattle Public Schools (and most independent schools). SPS will be out an hour early on Friday.

7:36 AM: Commenter mentions backup on the low bridge.

8 AM: Automobile rescue call at 16th/Florida on Harbor Is.

8:20 AM: The location has been corrected to 13th/Florida (map).

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

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

6:48 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle so far. Also, no snow, though you might encounter some showers if you are heading north out of the city.

Today’s big traffic alert will be for the Sounders march and rally celebrating the MLS Cup victory. Here’s the SDOT alert. While it all starts at 11 am, heading from Westlake Park to Seattle Center, some road closures will start earlier, so be aware of that if you commute on the late side. The Sounders’ media advisory says: “All intersections along the main march route, which follows Fourth Avenue north from the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Pine Street before turning right on Cedar Street to continue north on Fifth Avenue to Thomas Street, will be closed to traffic beginning at 9:00 am PT.”

7:36 AM: Crash reported at Delridge and Oregon.

7:48 AM: That call was revised to Oregon and 23rd and then closed on the real-time 911 log, meaning SFD is no longer on the scene.

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

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

6:48 AM: Good morning! No new snow but the National Weather Service says there’s a chance of a little bit late today or tonight – not even enough chance for an official alert, though.

No traffic incidents in or from West Seattle so far.

One more note – it’s the last week before winter break; Seattle Public Schools will get out one hour early this Friday, and then it’s break time until classes resume Tuesday, January 3rd.

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

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

7:02 AM: Good morning! Cold but no snow this morning – that’s expected later today.

One outbound-commute problem: A crash backing up northbound I-5:

LOW-BRIDGE ALERT: For drivers and riders, this is something of a reverse alert – the low bridge will NOT be opening for marine traffic between approximately 8 am and noon today, because of maintenance that SDOT announced a few weeks ago. They say it will NOT affect vehicle traffic.

7:22 AM: Two lanes have reopened at the scene of the I-5 crash, but WSDOT says one is still blocked and backups are big.

7:56 AM: The scene is clear but the backups aren’t.