(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
7:14 AM: Happy foggy Friday!

HIGHWAY 99/VIADUCT CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: Don’t forget that-both directions of Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will close between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel 5 am-6 pm Saturday and 6 am-6 pm Sunday, for the twice-yearly safety inspection. North of downtown, a weekend-long closure of Highway 99 is planned for utility work – full details here.

‘WE ARE METRO’: Metro Transit is celebrating accessibility and diversity all month, as explained here.

7:54 AM: Though the bridge cam is fogged in, we’ve been out on a quick errand and it’s clear on the ground, at least from The Junction southbound. Meantime, there’s a crash on the eastbound bridge at Delridge, per the 911 log. Both bridge cams are fogged in, but the Fauntleroy-approach cam (which unfortunately has no Admiral counterpart) isn’t:

8:32 PM: New crash that might affect you if you’re heading south via I-5 – it’s just come up on the 911 log at southbound I-5 @ Spokane.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
7:33 AM: “Generally, things are moving better than they have all week.” So says WSDOT via Twitter, a regional observation, but still, an optimistic assessment here as we approach the heart of the commute.

HIGHWAY 99/VIADUCT CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: Yet another reminder- both directions of Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct will close this weekend between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel, 5 am-6 pm Saturday and 6 am-6 pm Sunday, for the semiannual safety inspection, and that will coincide with a weekendlong closure north of the BST for utility work – closure details here.

7:42 AM: Downtown surface-street problem, pointed out in the comment section – a crash at 6th and Pine is tying things up. Westbound Pine is closed, one northbound lane of 6th is open, per KING 5’s traffic reporter Tracy Taylor.

8:25 AM: If you ride Sound Transit Route 560, ST says a crash in Bellevue might cause delays.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
6:07 AM: Welcome to Wednesday! Now that the weekend is in view, we need to resume reminders about this weekend’s Highway 99 closures – both directions between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel, 5 am-6 pm Saturday and 6 am-6 pm Sunday, for the semiannual safety inspection, plus a weekendlong closure north of the BST for utility work – details on all of the above can be found here.

10:28 AM: Another crash on Roxbury – 9th and Roxbury this time. The call closed out fairly quickly on the Seattle Fire 911 log, but a texter says three vehicles were involved and police were directing traffic.

1:17 PM: Something’s up on southbound 99 – it’s closed at the Battery Street Tunnel.

Two crashes that might complicate your afternoon commute: Amanda sends word of another 8th/Roxbury crash, on the westbound side of Roxbury, not on the 911 log so apparently no major injuries, but she says there’s quite a backup. And SFD crews are responding to a crash on southbound 99 parallel with the stadiums. Complicating matters – it’s starting to rain again. Traffic updates as we get them.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
6:03 AM: Happy first day of October! Here’s hoping for calmer weather and safer travel today.

5:18 PM: Afternoon trouble – here’s an update.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Though the wind wasn’t as strong as feared – the wind warning was downgraded to a wind advisory by midnight – it’s still been blustery overnight, and it’s breezy and soggy out there now, so plan extra time to get where you’re going. Reminder for bus riders: Metro’s service change took effect Saturday, including three routes serving West Seattle.

7:24 AM: The Fauntleroy approach to the bridge is backed up to Fairmount Park because of what @AMinSeattle tweets as a “minor” crash – here’s the “live” cam from just after the turn at Alaska:

From the 911 log – police are responding to a crash at 14th/Cloverdale in Highland Park (not major – SFD’s response is already closed).

7:58 AM: Crash on the county side of Roxbury at 8th – text says that northbound 8th is closed at Roxbury:

King County Sheriff’s Office is directing traffic, says our tipster.

5:58 PM: We’re launching an evening update for weather/traffic related problems – starting with another crash on the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct – so once again, avoid northbound 99!

6:05 PM: Added “live” image from traffic cam on northbound 99 – showing gridlock right now. Meantime, from our earlier coverage – the tree across 35th SW at 108th is cleared. Going to check shortly on other blockages reported earlier. Keeping an eye on City Light outage map – so far in West Seattle, only two reported, each listed as one customer (let us know if you know of any NOT on the map). 206-293-6302 text/voice for any weather problems or other breaking news.

6:09 PM: Via scanner, hearing of a tree vs. pole/lines problem on California Way near Hamilton Viewpoint Park.

7:16 PM: Just back from going out to check on a few things. The tree is cleared from California Way, so no problem going up or down the hill between Hamilton Viewpoint and Seacrest. Adding a photo of the big pothole reported earlier on Delridge near Oregon – northbound lane, parallel with Southwest Youth and Family Services. It’s right in the middle of the vehicle lane, not that well lit, with a trash can “marking” it along with a couple cones – you’ll have to use the center lane to get around:

And from the “live” image above, it looks like the 99 problem is clear. Storm’s calmed a bit, for now.

11:52 PM NOTE: The alert for tomorrow hasn’t changed, in case you were wondering – along with the general forecast for rain (increasing again Sunday in the daytime), a “high wind watch” in effect 3 pm Sunday-3 am Monday.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
No crashes/closures as the morning begins. But the rain’s returning, per forecasters – some today, more tomorrow. And we have weekend alerts:

RAMP CLOSURE: Late tonight into early Saturday, there’s an overnight closure of the northbound I-5 ramp to the West Seattle Bridge one more time, for striping in the zone where expansion-joint repairs are wrapping up.

METRO CHANGES START SATURDAY: Tomorrow brings its next service change, including three routes serving West Seattle.

CITYWIDE ALERTS/REMINDERS: Here’s the SDOT roundup of what might affect traffic around the city this weekend. Not on the list, Sunday’s Beat the Burn 5K in West Seattle on Alki, since it’s NOT closing the road.

11:31 AM: Weekend note for those who drive into downtown via 4th Avenue:

Northbound Fourth Avenue South in the Pioneer Square Neighborhood will be reduced to one lane at South Jackson Street on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. and now also on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1:54 PM: Update from WSDOT: “Tonight’s scheduled closure of the northbound I-5 ramp to the West Seattle Bridge and Sixth Avenue South has been postponed due to rain.”

(Update: Stuck vehicles cleared, 99 still closed northbound)
2:58 PM: Just dispatched: Seattle Police and Fire units are going to the scene of a reported crash on Northbound 99 involving a motorcycle and car, not far from last night’s crash that killed a motorcyclist. If you’re heading toward downtown, avoid 99 for now – sounds like it’s about to be blocked off. More as we get it.

3:09 PM: Northbound 99 is now blocked off, per scanner traffic – as far south as, south of the West Seattle Bridge. At least one person is seriously hurt – they have already called for the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad, and that means it’s likely to be closed a few hours (last night’s crash investigation closed 99 for four hours).

3:16 PM UPDATE: Police are now describing this as a motorcycle/guardrail crash, not motorcycle/car. They are continuing to keep vehicle traffic from getting onto 99, but they are also trying to figure out how to get trapped traffic off the highway.

3:33 PM UPDATE: Adding “live” image of West Seattle Bridge, where this is causing a morning type of scene since the northbound 99 exit is closed TFN:

3:39 PM UPDATE: Police say the motorcyclist is dead – second motorcycle rider killed in a crash in this area in 17 hours.

4:50 PM UPDATE: Still closed – refresh this page for updated camera views above, especially the top one, which won’t show cars again on the right side until northbound 99 reopens. Southbound 99 *is* open. Meantime, buses are affected, says Metro: “Viaduct buses heading toward downtown Seattle are currently rerouted … and will travel via 1st Av S or 4th Av S depending upon the route and destination, with no missed stops. Expect delays in transit service.”

6:08 PM UPDATE: Northbound 99 is still closed, no ETA but we’ll be watching, and if you notice it reopened first, let us know, IF you are a passenger or else after you get to your destination.

7:22 PM UPDATE: As of a few minutes ago, as commenters have pointed out (thanks!), Northbound 99 has reopened.

9:32 PM UPDATE: Police have published an update on SPD Blotter, saying the victim was a 52-year-old man riding a 500cc Aprilia motor scooter.

(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Now that it’s Thursday, in addition to today’s updates, we look ahead to the weekend. First, today: Delridge repaving work includes two sites – the final phase between Henderson and Roxbury, plus Orchard west of Delridge (westbound lanes are scheduled for work through the end of this week). … Downtown, remember the alert about the Microsoft company meeting at KeyArena today. … This weekend, Saturday brings Metro’s next service change, affecting three routes serving West Seattle, and Friday night, there’s an overnight closure of the northbound I-5 ramp to the West Seattle Bridge, one more time for striping.

ADDED 10:57 AM: Two things. First, per the discussion in comments, we’re checking with SDOT on the traffic-signal situation. Second, WSDOT has just sent this alert about the weekend:

The combination of two college football games and a soccer match will draw thousands of fans into Seattle this weekend, causing extra traffic on the roadways. Drivers should prepare for congestion to build in the late morning and remain steady through the evening on Interstates 5, 90, and State Route 520, Saturday, Sept. 28. The Washington State Department of Transportation is urging people to plan ahead by leaving early, carpooling, or take public transportation such as King County Metro’s shuttle service for the Huskies game. …

Saturday, Sept. 28
University of Washington vs. University of Arizona, Husky Stadium, 4 p.m.
Washington State University vs. Stanford University, CenturyLink Field, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 29
Seattle Sounders FC vs. New York Red Bulls, CenturyLink Field, 6 p.m.

The West Seattle Water Taxi should be running an extended schedule Sunday night, as usual for evening stadium events during its regular 7-day-a-week season.

4:52 PM: In case you somehow haven’t heard, the northbound Viaduct/99 is closed because of the 2nd deadly motorcycle crash in 17 hours. Updates here.

10:26 PM: Just getting word of a deadly motorcycle crash that Seattle Police say has closed northbound 99/Viaduct. Via Twitter, SPD says the motorcyclist “went off the Viaduct and landed on Railroad Avenue.” A section of 1st Avenue South is also closed. Looks like this is by CenturyLink Field. The Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is arriving at the scene, which suggests this will be closed for some hours as they work to find out how it happened.

2:30 AM: WSDOT has sent an e-mail alert saying northbound 99 is now open again. No update from investigators yet, but one is likely in the hours ahead.

8:55 AM: Here’s the short update on SPD Blotter, saying the rider was ejected off his Triumph motorcycle after hitting the east guardrail, adding: “Speed may have been a factor in this collision.”

THURSDAY, 10:09 PM: The Medical Examiner identifies the rider as 30-year-old Nathaniel Hammer.

(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Nothing unusual in this vicinity so far today – but the roads are wet and overall, that means slower going. Meantime, two repaving projects are scheduled to continue: 6000 block of Beach Drive, one lane alternating directions with a flagger, and Delridge repaving between Henderson and Roxbury. (Added – as noted in comments – work is not complete on Orchard west of Delridge, as an offshoot of the paving project – it’s scheduled to continue through the week, with the westbound side listed as the current focus zone.)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSIT COALITION: Our report on its launch will be up later today. If you’re on the bus and ready to read about it now, the first round of notes from its organizers are here, and our video of the meeting (better suited for listening than watching due to camera challenges) is here.

NOTE FOR TOMORROW: Thanks to Tracy for the heads-up that the annual Microsoft meeting is tomorrow (Thursday, September 26) – at KeyArena this time, but events there can cause domino-effect congestion down the line, so consider yourself forewarned.

7:45 AM UPDATE: Crash at 35th/Fauntleroy – thanks to Jana and Kristen for the tips via Twitter. Here’s a view on the live camera:

Does not appear to be a major-injury situation, judging by the 911 dispatch.

8:06 AM UPDATE: Camera view shows the crash scene has cleared.

8:15 AM NOTE: As mentioned here last night, this is an “early dismissal” day for Seattle Public Schools, so you will see school buses out and about two hours earlier than usual.

1:13 PM NOTE: More on the Microsoft meeting tomorrow – the city has issued this alert:

Tomorrow, September 26, Microsoft will hold its Annual Company Meeting at the Key Arena from 10 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. Some 15,000 attendees, traveling via 200 buses and 4,000 private vehicles, are expected to begin arriving at 8:30 a.m. and start leaving at roughly 4 p.m. The Seattle Department of Transportation advises motorists driving in the area surrounding the Seattle Center to anticipate heavy congestion in the morning and afternoon and allow for extra travel time.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Traffic watch begins for Tuesday, and we have two road-work projects to mention:

6000 BLOCK OF BEACH DRIVE: Now that the slope repair is done, the long-rutted road is being ground down and repaved as promised. The city now says the work is expected to run 7 am-7 pm today and tomorrow. One lane will be kept open for traffic, alternating directions with the help of a flagger.

SOUTH DELRIDGE REPAVING: The final stage of this year-long project is now under way, restricting traffic from Henderson to Roxbury. (Follow that link to see the detour map.)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSIT COALITION TONIGHT: 6:30 pm, the launch meeting of a peninsula-wide advocacy group – location and agenda info here.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Happy Friday! As we keep an eye on today’s traffic, here’s the citywide roundup of potential traffic-affecting events for the next three days. Also: Starting at 7 pm tonight, northbound I-5 ramps to the West Seattle Bridge and Beacon Hill are closed all weekend.

1:28 PM: Crash on the westbound bridge, closer to WS side.

For the third time in a week, a crash is causing trouble on SW Roxbury – this time at 22nd SW, and it’s blocking westbound traffic. No serious injuries but three vehicles were involved and it’ll likely take a while to clear.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Yes, it really is the last Thursday of summer – with the fall equinox coming up this Sunday. (Come to sunset watch Sunday night with Alice Enevoldsen of Alice’s Astro Info and WSB’s “Skies Over West Seattle“!) The commute knows no seasons, though – so, we’re off and running/walking/riding/driving for today …

ROAD WORK NOTE: 10 pm tonight-5 am Friday (and again all weekend), the northbound I-5 ramp to the West Seattle Bridge will be closed – full details here.

METRO TRANSIT NOTE: In case you haven’t seen it yet, Metro is out with details of the upcoming service revisions, including changes on three West Seattle routes – here’s the story we published last night.

7:34 AM UPDATE: There’s a crash at California/Oregon that’s slowing traffic – thanks to David for the tip, just before Christopher mentioned it in comments.

David sent that photo; the crash is on 911 as California/Oregon (eastbound lane) but actually appears to be a bit to the west.

8:10 AM UPDATE: SFD has cleared that crash scene, according to the 911 log; Christopher went over in the meantime and reports, “A couple of shaken-up drivers but no major injuries. The Volvo in front seemed to escape any serious damage. Just some scratched up bumper trim. The Honda in back was really crunched up and the airbag deployed. The Volvo driver told me that the Honda driver came up the hill eastbound really fast behind her and may have been blinded by the sun.”

10:24 AM: Richard tweeted about a crash on the OTHER end of The Junction, California/Dawson.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
Nothing out of the ordinary in this morning’s commute so far. Road work reminder – SW Orchard between Delridge and Sylvan is now closed westbound, as part of the main page for the Delridge Repaving Project. Later this week, the ramp from northbound I-5 to the West Seattle Bridge will be closed overnight Thursday night-Friday morning for expansion-joint work, and then all weekend, 7 pm Friday-early Monday.

7:52 AM: And if you will find yourself driving in or near downtown late tonight/early tomorrow, two not-far-from-here closures you might want to be aware of: Up to 3 lanes of northbound I-5 are closing at Mercer, 9 pm-5 am, per WSDOT; northbound 99 will be closed from the Battery Street Tunnel northward to Valley St, 10 pm-5 am.

9:07 AM: Thanks to those who tipped us to a crash at California/Oregon; Kelly tweeted a photo:

@westseattleblog – looked like people were ok. Fire and police on scene. In front of Shadowland in Jxn. pic.twitter.com/KyZcvejWwm

— Kelly Donovan (@kdbokay) September 17, 2013

California northbound was briefly blocked at the scene, per scanner traffic, but no serious injuries reported.

4:56 PM: Thanks for the tips on a new traffic trouble spot – Roxbury is backed up westbound, from 8th SW eastward.

The signal is flashing 4-way red and police are directing traffic. It seems to involve a Metro bus – we are here trying to find out more.

5:10 PM: Light is working again but situation isn’t clear yet.

Police are talking with someone they say reported the bus (pulled over) hit her, but it doesn’t appear she is hurt.

(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
7:04 AM: No problems of note reported so far in the early going. As for this week’s road work, the closure on SW Orchard between Delridge and Sylvan is scheduled to shift today to the westbound side, as explained on the main page for the Delridge Repaving Project.

7:17 AM: Per the scanner, police are checking out a car blocking eastbound Edmunds at California that might be stalled or otherwise abandoned.

7:36 AM: Steve sends a warning about “flying foam peanuts” on the eastbound bridge – apparently somebody “lost a bag of them and it has broken open, swirling around roadway.”

8:01 AM: In comments, Susan says it’s even worse than that – westbound too and higher volume.