West Seattle, Washington
19 Thursday
(Added: Screenshot from low-bridge camera, with trucks waiting at 1:23 pm)
Thanks for the tip! Right after a texter told us the low bridge (aka Spokane Street Swing Bridge) appeared to be having trouble, SDOT issued a traffic alert confirming it. So far, they’re citing “technical issues.”
2:18 PM: Live camera shows the bridge is open again.
ADDED: SDOT’s explanation:
We were doing test openings to help us understand and resolve ongoing technical issues related to the damage which occurred when a vehicle drove through the warning gates and hit a moving barricade in September 2024.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, February 27, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny with a slight chance of am rain, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:52 am and 5:51 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Another update from SDOT on what’s next for the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project:
Admiral Way SW will return to one lane in each direction this weekend. Over the next several months, there may sometimes be brief periods in which more lanes are open as crews shift between working on different parts of the bridge.
We are continuing to make good progress on construction. Here are some photos showing the work in progress:
Those photos are from the underside of the bridge, over Fairmount Ravine, where Fairmount Avenue remains fully closed to traffic until the project is done, now projected for summer.
For the third time in four days, the Admiral Way Bridge lane alignment has changed; as shown in our photo above, by dusk, one eastbound lane was closed, while the other one and both westbound lanes were open. Before that, all lanes were open during the weekend. SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson explained, “Admiral Way SW was briefly reopened this week as our crews are preparing for an upcoming shift from working in the center lanes to working in the northern lanes.” He says it’ll continue to change at times in the next few months, while the seismic-strengthening project remains projected to be completed this summer.
Some readers have asked about the sinkhole coned off in the middle of 35th SW near SW Edmunds. We asked SDOT, which in turn pointed us to Seattle Public Utilities; SPU spokesperson Brad Wong tells WSB that crews investigated it today:
Seattle Public Utilities is monitoring and working on a void in the 4700 block of 35th Avenue Southwest, which was reported by the Seattle Department of Transportation.
On the morning of February 24, SPU crews completed an initial investigation and inspection of the roadway and found that a 10-inch combined sewer pipe had collapsed. Flow, though, was continuing. As of 1 p.m., SPU had not received any report about properties experiencing sewer backups.
SPU is working with SDOT on traffic control in the affected area, which is barricaded. SPU crews are moving a pump unit to the location as a preventive measure for any system backup. SPU expects the pipe rehabilitation work on the affected area to be finished in about two weeks.
This stirs memories of a water break that flooded 35th downhill from there, between Alaska and Avalon, in 2017. That, however, was blamed on a private line.
6:00 AM: Good morning – it’s Monday, February 24, 2025. School is now back in session for everyone, including those who were out on mid-winter break last week.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
This afternoon through tomorrow morning, we’ll be under a Wind Advisory alert, with strong southerly gusts possible. Otherwise, the forecast is for on-and-off rain, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:58 am and 5:47 pm.
ROAD-WORK NOTE
(Photo sent by MJ)
Friday, readers reported the Admiral Way Bridge traffic lanes had shifted again. Then by Sunday morning (photo above), the bridge had fully reopened. We’re still waiting to hear from SDOT on whether that’s the end of all top-side work in the seismic-strengthening project.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
CLOSURE REMINDER
-As noted here, the Highway 99 tunnel will close overnight tonight into tomorrow morning (2/21-22) for maintenance work.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
5:48 PM: The bright lights in the upper left of that cropped screenshot from SDOT’s West Seattle Bridge camera mark yet another crash on the westbound side of bridge today. No SFD dispatch so apparently no injuries. But one tipster says they saw, when passing going the other way, “two police vehicles, bashed-up pickup at peak of bridge,” plus the traffic backup.
5:57 PM: We haven’t heard yet whether the scene has cleared, but the live camera shows that the backup has.
7:39 PM: There’s yet another crash that police are handling right now, closer to the curve than the aforementioned one, according to radio traffic. We’re mostly just making note so we can follow up with SDOT yet again on Monday.
Thanks for the tips. Another crash is reported at the trouble spot near the curve toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. Via text, Jeff describes it as “a mid-size SUV into the median barrier.” At least one westbound lane is blocked. Apparently no injuries reported, so far, as there’s no SFD dispatch.
10:31 PM: If you have to head eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge any time soon, you might consider waiting a while – a crash response near the 1st Avenue South exit has blocked all eastbound lanes, according to police. SFD is checking on whether anyone’s hurt. Keep in mind the 99 tunnel’s overnight closure has just started, so that’s not a viable option right now if you need to head beyond downtown.
10:43 PM: Police report SFD has cleared – indicating no injuries of note – so the bridge is partly reopened; they’re awaiting tow trucks for the two vehicles involved.
11:32 PM: Officers just radioed that “the bridge is clear.”
5:46 PM: The traffic effects haven’t been fully described by radio – aside from “slowing both directions” – but if you’re traveling Avalon Way near the bridge soon, be aware there’s a collision response involving two downed utility poles, and downed power lines from at least one of them. This is at Bradford/Avalon/30th; the poles are said to be on Bradford, on the west side of the intersection, reported to have been taken out by a vehicle rolling off a flatbed truck. No injuries reported so far.
6:38 PM: Thanks to commenter Matthew for that view from above.
1:59 AM: We checked the Seattle City Light map not long after the poles came down, and no outage was showing, but at some point since then, that’s changed, and 150 customers are out in the area.
4:31 PM: Thanks for the tips! We just went up to confirm that the Admiral Way Bridge lane configuration has changed again. Now it’s one lane each way in what are normally the bridge’s eastbound lanes (the south side). This is all related to the ongoing seismic-strengthening project, which, the city recently said, isn’t expected to be complete before summer.
10:34 AM SATURDAY: A reader reports the entire bridge is open this morning. Is that the end of the top-side closures? We’re still waiting for an update from SDOT.
6:01 AM: Good morning – it’s Friday, February 21, 2025. Last day of mid-winter break for those who had one this week.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rain in the forecast, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:03 am and 5:42 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
CLOSURE REMINDER
-As noted here, the Highway 99 tunnel will close overnight tonight into tomorrow morning (2/21-22) for maintenance work.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
6:03 AM: Good morning – it’s Thursday, February 20, 2025. One month until spring!
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More rain in the forecast, but not as breezy, high near 50. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:07 am and 5:41 pm.
SCHOOL REMINDER
-Many schools – including Seattle Public Schools – are continuing their mid-winter break through Friday.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
CLOSURE REMINDER
-As noted here, the Highway 99 tunnel will close overnight Friday night into Saturday morning (2/21-22_ for maintenance work.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
6:00 AM: Good morning – it’s Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rainy and breezy today, high around 50. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:07 am and 5:39 pm.
SCHOOL REMINDER
-Some schools go back today after a few days of midwinter break, but others – including Seattle Public Schools – are out all week.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
CLOSURE ALERT
-As noted here, the Highway 99 tunnel will close overnight Friday night into Saturday morning.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
WSDOT has announced the new date for the next Highway 99 tunnel closure, 2 weeks after it was announced and then canceled. The new date is this Friday night and Saturday morning, February 21-22:
Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle will close from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, to 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, for maintenance.
Washington State Department of Transportation will start closing northbound and southbound lanes at 9 p.m., with the tunnel fully closed by 10 p.m. Drivers going south on SR 99 will need to take the Harrison Street off-ramp, and northbound SR 99 drivers will need to take the Alaskan Way off-ramp. Also, the Sixth Avenue and Royal Brougham Way on-ramps will close at 9 p.m.
The closure will let crews do several important tasks, including:
-Fire-suppression testing.
-Cleaning and marking drains.
-Fixing lights.People traveling through downtown Seattle Friday night should use alternate routes.
6:00 AM: Good morning – it’s Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
It’s almost warm! Cloudy today, rain likely back by late tonight, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:09 am and 5:38 pm.
SCHOOL REMINDER
-Today is part of midwinter break for most schools – all week for Seattle Public Schools (the Vashon district too), but some other schools will be back in session tomorrow (Wednesday).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
6:01 AM: Good morning – it’s Friday, February 14, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The forecast for today warms up a bit, starting with a chance of rain/snow, then partly sunny, high in the low 40s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:15 am and 5:31 pm.
REMINDERS FOR NEXT WEEK
-Next week (February 17-21) is midwinter break for Seattle Public Schools (the Vashon district too).
-Monday is Presidents Day, with some changes/closures, but note that the Water Taxi – unlike last year – WILL sail on the holiday.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(Added: Reader photo)
7:48 PM: Just happened onto this – police are blocking southbound Delridge at Thistle. Texter says it’s a crash, involving a Metro bus. The SFD dispatch was very short-lived, so apparently no serious injuries. Avoid the area for a while.
8:25 PM: Reopened. Checking with SFD re: injuries, if any.
6:02 AM: Good morning – it’s Thursday, February 13, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The Cold Weather Advisory is still in effect until noon, with wind chills as low as the teens; the forecast for today is again cold, cloudy, possible rain/snow showers in pm, high near 40. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:17 am and 5:30 pm.
(Wednesday moonrise, photographed by Mike Burns)
SCHOOL REMINDER
Next week (February 17-21) is midwinter break for Seattle Public Schools.
TRANSIT
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
6:03 AM: Good morning – it’s Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The Cold Weather Advisory is extended until noon tomorrow, with wind chills as low as the teens; the forecast for today is again for cold sunshine, high near 40. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:19 am and 5:28 pm.
TRANSIT
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
6:04 AM: Good morning – it’s Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
We’re still in Cold Weather Advisory alert mode, until 10 am tomorrow, with wind chills as low as the teens; the forecast for today predicts more cold sunshine, high in the mid-to-upper 30s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:20 am and 5:27 pm.
(Monday morning photo by James Bratsanos)
TRANSIT
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
6:05 AM: Good morning – it’s Monday, February 10, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
We’re again facing a Cold Weather Advisory, taking effect at 6 tonight; the forecast for today calls for cold sunshine today, high in the upper 30s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:22 am and 5:25 pm.
TRANSIT
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
11:32 PM: The crash itself doesn’t look too bad from the traffic cam, but westbound Fauntleroy and northbound 35th are blocked right now just west of the end of the West Seattle Bridge, after two drivers collided in the intersection. At least one is being checked out for possible injuries.
11:49 PM: Checking back on the live SDOT camera, one vehicle is already gone and a tow truck has just arrived for the other one, so this should be cleared before long.
11:56 PM: All clear. (We’ll follow up with SFD on whether anyone was hurt.)
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