West Seattle traffic alerts 4992 results

Update: Bus loses wheel on Fauntleroy, nobody hurt

(WSB photos added 8:50/9:13 am; #1 by Patrick Sand, #2 by Christopher Boffoli)
Thanks to Manuel for the tip that the 54X bus had broken down (headed for downtown). We’re at the scene – it’s at Edmunds, blocking a lane so traffic is diverting around it. According to Manuel, a wheel fell off; we’re working to verify exactly what went wrong. 8:32 AM UPDATE: Metro supervisor at the scene confirms a wheel did come off, but the bus had a veteran driver who got it safely to the side of the road. Nobody hurt; everybody transferred to another bus relatively quickly; the bus will be towed shortly, but till then, it’s still slower going heading northbound on Fauntleroy. 9:20 AM UPDATE: Keri, who was on the bus when it happened, e-mailed this:

The bus seemed to shudder and skid a bit, as if it was trying to stop on wet pavement and couldn’t. It came to a halt and felt tilted. One woman suddenly said “tire!” (I thought she said “fire!” yikes.) She then said, “our tire just rolled by us!”

As we were getting off the bus, the driver said we actually lost two. We were all extremely grateful that this didn’t happen while we were on the viaduct.

Traffic alert: Avoid Trenton alongside Westwood Village (again)

trentonwork.jpg

More work along the north side of Westwood Village, on Trenton, and it’s a bit of a snarl, so the Barton side is your better bet if you’re headed that way any time soon.

Viaduct traffic alert, courtesy of the mayor

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Just back from the big Gatewood Elementary event about the speed-camera van (photo above; much more on the van show-and-tell shortly, including the ballot-initiative underscore to the whole thing) – while speaking at the news conference, the mayor announced that the Seneca offramp from the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct is currently closed because a “20-foot chunk of concrete fell.” TV report says it was a guardrail section, knocked down by a truck. (Speaking of The Viaduct, SDOT is still checking for us on why the closure-warning lights didn’t work for hours on Saturday morning.) 1:17 PM UPDATE: SDOT’s Rick Sheridan clarifies, the Seneca ramp “is soon to be closed. SDOT will need to close it for 6-8 hours to safely conduct the repair work.” We’ll let you know when we get the exact time frame. 4:25 PM UPDATE: The ramp’s open again, says SDOT.

Traffic alert: Alaskan Way Viaduct reopens, hours ahead of schedule

Just got word from WSDOT that the Alaskan Way Viaduct has reopened – 5 hours earlier than it was expected to reopen after its weekend inspection (results due in a few days).

Traffic Alert reminder: Viaduct closed this weekend

It’s been in the right sidebar, on the Traffic page, on the Events page, but one more reminder can’t hurt: Alaskan Way Viaduct closed for inspection this weekend, 6 am Saturday till 6 pm Sunday (we’ll let you know if it reopens sooner).

Traffic alert: Partial West Seattle Bridge blockage

October 15, 2008 5:56 pm
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 |   West Seattle traffic alerts

Texted by Shannon (thank you!): There’s a stall in the righthand lane on The Bridge “just after the Fauntleroy split.” So if you run into a backup, that’s what’s up.

Another West Seattle traffic alert: North side of Westwood Village

In case you missed it in the comment thread on the Thistle crash – Aim reports that Trenton is closed on the north side of Westwood Village (map) because of construction work, and traffic was a “mess” when she went through a bit earlier. Don’t know how long this will last but we’ll check back on it later. Many projects affecting traffic are NOT pre-announced, so we appreciate hearing from you whenever you spot a problem, so we can in turn pass the information along. 3:19 PM UPDATE: Passed through the area moments ago, Trenton’s open again. Steel plates in place on the road, so drive slow!

Update: Thistle reopened after crash between 39th & 40th

Thistle’s closed in both directions between 39th and 40th due to a two-car accident. Traffic is being routed down the side streets while police are still investigating. One of the cars is still in the street along with some debris.

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UPDATE 1 PM: Thistle is open again. One car was able to leave the scene under its own power. The other car has been towed.

Reminder for NEXT weekend: Viaduct inspection shutdown

October 12, 2008 5:04 pm
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 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle traffic alerts

SCENIC_Alaskan_Way_AWV1.jpgAs this weekend winds down, another reminder about next weekend: The Alaskan Way Viaduct will be closed 6 am Saturday-6 pm Sunday (10/18-10/19) for its semiannual inspection. (And if that in turns detours you to the 1st Avenue South exit for the first time in a while, remember that as of a month ago, you have to turn left – north – there.)

Happening today/tonight: Four Saturday highlights

Lots more in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, but wanted to hit these again: ROAD WORK — Three spots on California will see crews today; details and a map here. DELRIDGE NATURAL AREA WORK PARTY — Not too late to join; show up across from Boren/Sealth at 10 am — see our preview here. MAYOR @ ORCHARD STREET RAVINE — One week after neighbors got word of a new plan for the “connector” through this greenspace, the big dedication/celebration happens noon-2 pm today. ADMIRAL CONCERT — Tonight’s show headlined by local up-n-coming Brent Amaker and The Rodeo launches a new era for entertainment at the historic theater; read our preview here.

West Seattle traffic alert: SDOT work on California SW too


View Larger Map

We told you yesterday about the extensive no-parking zone along Alki and Harbor Aves 5 am-3 pm Sunday for striping work; now another alert from SDOT about 3 other areas of West Seattle (map above) where work is planned tomorrow:

SDOT paving crews will make street repairs at three locations on California Avenue Southwest on Saturday, October 11. Traffic will be able to get through, but drivers should expect congestion and may want to consider an alternate route.

The work will take place in the northbound lanes of the following blocks: the 5900 block (between SW Juneau and SW Raymond), the 4500 block (between SW Oregon and SW Alaska) and the 3200 block (between SW Hanford and SW Hinds) from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

The work is required to restore the pavement after repair of underground water lines.

Traffic alert: Viaduct closed Saturday morning

October 2, 2008 4:18 pm
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 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle traffic alerts

Reminder just in from SDOT: The American Heart Walk will close the Alaskan Way Viaduct 7 am-11 am Saturday morning.

Traffic alert: Overnight closures on 99 ramp to 1st Ave. So.

September 25, 2008 2:43 pm
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 |   West Seattle traffic alerts

Not IN West Seattle, but close enough that you might need to know – so we’re passing along this advisory from the city:Read More

Traffic alert: Truck wreck causes low bridge (etc.) mess

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(photo added 9:20 am, thanks to David)
ORIGINAL REPORT: Trying to get to a “heavy rescue” 911 call at 11th/Spokane (map), Harbor Island vicinity, we are stuck in a mess near the Delridge approach to the low bridge, and we see police on the low bridge. Stay away at all costs, it’s gridblock, even to try to turn west back onto W Marginal. UPDATE: Just heard it’s an overturned semi (photo above, added 9:20 am), so that’s why the low bridge is blocked before you get to the scene. Trying to get west onto West Marginal or SW Spokane back toward the rest of WS – the problem is a huge amount of diverted semitruck traffic trying to get up onto the high bridge the other way. Gridlock as a result. This city camera has a partial view of the backup west of the crash, Marginal/Chelan. ADDED 9:31 AM: Two of our pics taken as we came off Delridge into the jammed intersection at Delridge/Marginal/Spokane – police officer at blocked west end of low bridge, followed by the truck-dominated traffic viewed facing north.

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Odd irony that today is the start of the Spokane Street work we’ve been reminding you about – and in fact we were about to head to check out the start of the detour, just as we got word of this – but that’s happening about a mile east, and this crash had NOTHING to do with it. Just heard on the radio that this may not be cleared until about 10:15; we’ll post updates as we get them. (Admiral and Fauntleroy approaches are obviously your better bet to get on the high bridge but with the low bridge out of commission, they’re likely slower too.) 9:45 AM UPDATE: Got a note from Hawk, who’s on a Route 21 Metro bus “that was re-routed all the way down to the 1st avenue bridge” – a reminder that this is affecting buses too. 9:52 AM UPDATE: Bike commuter Simon sent the following photo looking back westward toward the wreck scene, and notes that bicyclists/pedestrians are being allowed across the low bridge.

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10:13 AM UPDATE: In comments, another West Seattle bike commuter, Aaron, says he saw the truck topple: “I watched this all go down, it was surreal. Not sure what caused the truck to lose balance, but as I was coming over the lower level bridge on my bike, the truck appeared to drop down off the curb, sway, and then ease over on its side. Driver was able to climb out and appeared unharmed.” 10:36 AM UPDATE: Just confirmed this with a drive through the area – the low bridge has reopened and the gridlock near the West Seattle-side approach has cleared.

Traffic alert: WS Bridge ramp to SB I-5 briefly closed

September 10, 2008 1:43 pm
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 |   Transportation | West Seattle traffic alerts

From WSDOT: “The on-ramp from Spokane Street to southbound I-5 is closed due to an oil spill from an earlier collision that involving a semi truck. The ramp will be closed while crews apply absorbent material to the roadway. WSDOT maintenance and incident response are on-scene.” We’ll let you know when we get word it’s reopened. 2:30 PM UPDATE: Open again.

Commute alert: Thunderstorm rolling through

We’ve seen the flashes and heard the thunder — watch out for another bout of nasty weather on your drive home — though we can see a bit of sun over Vashon, it’s solid ominous gray looking toward Bainbridge and points northwest. Here’s the latest forecast; remember you can check out all the area traffic cameras here. (And here’s the radar link; thanks to Amy for that.) 4:41 PM UPDATE: OK, *that* flash was RIGHT HERE – the thunder followed almost immediately.

Traffic alert: Southbound I-5 trouble just south of The Bridge

August 18, 2008 10:17 am
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 |   West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in from WSDOT: “A roll-over collision is blocking the three left lanes of southbound I-5, just south of Spokane Street in Seattle. Fire and aid are on scene. WSDOT Incident Response is en-route.” Here’s the camera (what it shows, depends on where its operators focus it):

11:05 AM UPDATE: WSDOT says the crash has cleared but traffic is backed up a few miles into downtown.

Blocked I-5 ramp update: State offers $ incentive to get it cleared

We’re still watching the situation that’s blocked the West Seattle Bridge ramp to southbound I-5 — a tipped truck blocking the ramp for about an hour now. Interesting info in the latest update from WSDOT:

The incident knocked over a streetlight and damaged a portion of the railing. Drivers should expect delays. … A WSDOT bridge inspection team is enroute to inspect damage to the on ramp. WSP and WSDOT Incident Response Teams are on the scene. The Washington State Patrol has activated the Blok-Buster program for this incident. Blok-Buster, a joint program with WSDOT, WSP and local tow companies offers a $2,500 incentive to a tow company if they are able to clear the semi-truck in 90 minutes or less. This program, active in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, requires tow companies to bring additional tow trucks to get the roadway open more quickly. Traffic accidents are unpredictable and heavy truck incident sare the “worst of the worst.” This program is an innovative way to clear these traffic incidents faster and safer.

11:13 AM UPDATE: WSDOT now says two tow trucks have arrived, and while they’ve pulled the truck onto I-5, the ramp remains blocked, as do the three right lanes of southbound I-5 at that spot, resulting in a one-mile backup through downtown. 11:35 AM UPDATE: I-5/Spokane cam is back on the truck, and it appears to be upright now, so this may be cleared soon. 12:17 PM UPDATE: All clear now. The state says the light is fixed but the railing won’t be fixed till tomorrow.

Traffic alert: Tipped truck blocks ramp from WS Bridge to SB I-5

August 11, 2008 10:18 am
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 |   West Seattle traffic alerts

(traffic-cam image moved to newest post)
This just in from WSDOT: “The Spokane Street on ramp to southbound I-5 is blocked due to a semi that has tipped onto its side. Traffic traveling eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge is backing up.” 10:50 AM UPDATE: The camera view we have up now is a city-operated camera looking at that onramp.

Traffic alert, if you’re heading for southbound I-5

August 9, 2008 6:17 pm
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 |   West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in from the state Transportation Department: “WSDOT crews have closed the two left lanes of southbound I-5 just south of the West Seattle Bridge for emergency road work. Drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes.”

Traffic alert for southbound 99 between The Viaduct and The Bridge

Just in from SDOT:

Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling southbound on Highway 99, before the West Seattle Bridge exit, south of downtown Seattle. Pavement is damaged in the middle lane. Seattle Department of Transportation crews are responding to make emergency repairs. The lane will be closed until repairs are completed, later today.

2:44 PM UPDATE: SDOT says it now expects the lane closure/repairs to happen around 3:30 and to take less than half an hour. 3:34 PM UPDATE: The repairs are done, so this shouldn’t be an issue for the rest of the commute.

Traffic alert: Bridge crash causing backups

August 6, 2008 5:52 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just got word of a crash on the high bridge, westbound, causing backups on The Viaduct and elsewhere. Stand by for details. 5:55 PM UPDATE: The bridge cam and 911 show the Fire Department just closed the incident, so hopefully it will clear before too long. In the cameras on the Traffic page, you can see that while the view looking east at the westbound bridge looks like a semi-normal backup, it’s clearly a chokepoint just before the camera view, because the view looking west at the final stretch of the westbound bridge (same one you see in the righthand sidebar on all WSB pages) is way too empty for this time of day.

Traffic alert: Northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct closed reopens

Thanks to Deborra for sending word. It’s also in the Traffic.com alerts you can find from the WSB Traffic page anytime – “Highway 99 – Past W. Seattle Brg – accident blocking all lanes – involving a hazmat situation; also blocking the on ramp from Spokane St.” 10:29 AM UPDATE: Note from this city traffic camera that the ramp off The Bridge is closed and things are already pretty jammed heading eastbound on The Bridge – see the “live” image (refresh the page for the latest) above. 10:39 AM UPDATE: Radio reports say the accident involves a gravel truck. We’re also checking to see if the “viaduct closed when flashing” lights are working, just out of curiosity. 10:45 AM UPDATE: The southernmost one on 35th is. 11 AM UPDATE: The “live” picture above shows that the ramp to The Viaduct just reopened, so all this should clear up in a while.