West Seattle, Washington
26 Wednesday
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, January 18th.
WEATHER
Rainy and breezy, high in the 40s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
High Bridge – the camera at the top:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – open again:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route:
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All working traffic cams citywide can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, January 17th.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy, chance of showers, high in the upper 40s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is back on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
High Bridge – the camera at the top:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – now that it’s open again:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route:
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All working traffic cams citywide can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, January 13th.
WEATHER
Rainy and breezy, high in the low 50s.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 22nd day the low bridge has been closed to street/path users.
REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY ON MONDAY
Schools, government offices, libraries, banks closed Monday; no Water Taxi service; USPS holiday.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
Reminder – while the low bridge is closed to surface traffic, free Metro/Water Taxi rides are available via an app.
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs (and Thursday we learned there were more than originally announced) – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule (but as mentioned above, no service Monday).
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, January 12th.
WEATHER
Rainy, high in the low 50s.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 21st day the low bridge has been closed to street/path users.
SDOT offered a testing update Wednesday afternoon.
SIGNAL CHANGES
ICYMI, we reported Tuesday on what’s happening with 35th/Avalon and two nearby signalized intersections.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
Reminder – while the low bridge is out of service for surface traffic, free Metro/Water Taxi rides are available via an app.
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs (we’re still awaiting an update on how many are still out) – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
8:57 AM: Texters report an incident is blocking the Delridge onramp to the bridge. … SDOT says it’s a stalled vehicle.
9:07 AM: Moving again.
Earlier;
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, January 11th.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 20th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic.
We’re awaiting word on what’s next after SDOT removed a leaky cylinder Sunday.
SIGNAL CHANGES
We reported Tuesday on what’s happening with 35th/Avalon and two nearby intersections.
WEATHER
Rain returning today, high in the low 50s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
Reminder that while the low bridge is out of service for surface traffic, free Metro/Water Taxi rides are available via an app.
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs (we’ve asked for an update on how many are still out) – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, January 10th.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 19th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic.
After removinb a leaky cylinder Sunday, SDOT moved into testing it says will help clarify the repair timeline.
WEATHER
Sunshine expected today, high in the low 50s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
Reminder that while the low bridge is out of service for surface traffic, free Metro/Water Taxi rides are available via an app.
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs (we’ve asked for an update on how many are still out) – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, January 9th.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 18th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic.
WEATHER
Rainy, breezy, high in the upper 40s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
Reminder that while the low bridge is out of service for surface traffic, free Metro/Water Taxi rides are available via an app.
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, January 6th.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 15th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic.
ROAD WORK
–Seattle Public Utilities has a lane closed in the 1400 block of Alki SW for the pump-station project
WEATHER & WATER
More rain expected today, breezy, high in the low 50s. (Thursday was warmer than predicted, with a record-for-the-date high of 59, 12 degrees above the historical norm.) … Also, although the 6:06 am high tide should be considerably lower than what we saw December 27th, there’s a Coastal Flood Advisory alert through 9 am.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
High Bridge – the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route.
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, January 5th. 35th SW south of Avalon reopened three hours ago after a 10-hour-long closure following the fall of a big tree.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 14th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic.
Here’s the latest update on repair needs and plans; the temporary bike lanes along a detour route for riders are supposed to be completed today.
ROAD WORK
-Watch for the aforementioned bike lanes being coned off along stretches of West Marginal Way and 1st Avenue South
–Seattle Public Utilities has begun the lane closure in the 1400 block of Alki SW for the pump-station project
WEATHER
More rain expected today, breezy, high in the low 50s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
High Bridge – the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route.
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
5:06 PM: What one responder described to dispatch as “a very large tree” has fallen on 35th near Avalon.
5:11 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos. 35th is closed between Avalon and Alaska because of this. Above and below are texted photos:
5:16 PM: That photo shows the location clearly – just south of the bus stop on northbound 35th. Note there’s at least one utility pole caught up in this, and responders have just warned that the railing behind the stop “might be electrified.” Also, Metro has just sent an advisory that this situation will affect C Line and Routes 21, 50, 55, and 773 (Water Taxi shuttle).
5:41 PM: That’s our crew’s view from the other side of the tree blockage. No reports of injuries. Two buses got stuck behind the tree – one marked 21, one marked “to terminal” – and they’re trying to get them out by backing up. The tree’s indeed affecting some poles/lines, but no outage is reported. Meantime, our crew also reports that traffic is snarled in the Y vicinity and elsewhere just west of 35th. If you’re headed eastbound on Alaska, you can turn to southbound 35th from there, but not northbound.
6:09 PM: No estimate on reopening.
7:54 PM: Still closed. A traffic camera is pointing southward toward the closed/blocked stretch of 35th:
8:53 PM: The SDOT camera shows activity around the tree, but otherwise the road remains closed to traffic.
9:40 PM: More crews are arriving and the tree is brightly illuminated. We’ll continue watching for progress. … A nearby resident reports hearing chainsaw activity.
10:09 PM: Two angles from people who have a view from the west side of 35th, as removal continues:
That pic is from a texter who described the tree as “monstrous” – the photo is from after at least a third of it was gone. Also, Katherine sent this video, so you can hear the operation:
11:53 PM: The tree appears to be gone but crews continue with utility work.
1:10 AM: That’s continuing, Here’s a ground-level photo that Matty contributed in the comment section:
3 AM: After 10 hours, 35th SW has just reopened – the utility crews are leaving; the signs, cones, and tapes have been removed. We’ll be following up later today on plans for ensuring there aren’t any other trees in that roadside stand in danger of falling.
3:14 PM: Thanks to Mel for the tip. SPD and SFD are responding to a two-car crash reported on Sylvan Way at High Point Drive [map]. Avoid the area for a while.
4:09 PM: Thanks to Sam for the report that Sylvan has reopened in both directions. We’re checking with SFD regarding injuries.
Seattle Public Utilities has long been warning that its contractor for the Pump Station 38 upgrade project would have to close one lane of Alki Avenue SW to install a sewer pipe, and that closure (in the 1400 block) has finally begun. We went through a short time ago; flaggers are there to help traffic alternate through the one open lane. If weather doesn’t get in the way, this could be done by the end of the week. This is just part of the $2 million project, for which construction began last summer and is expected to last into spring,
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, January 4th.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 13th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic.
Here’s the latest update on repair needs and plans; free Water Taxi and bus rides are in the works, as are temporary protected bike lanes over part of the recommended detour for riders.
ROAD WORK
Watch for the aforementioned bike-lane preps along stretches of West Marginal Way and 1st Avenue South … Seattle Public Utilities says the lane closure for sewer-pipe work near the pump-station project in the 1400 block of Alki SW is finally close to starting.
WEATHER
Rain likely by day’s end, high in the upper 40s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
High Bridge – the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route.
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, January 3rd, back to work and school for many.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 12th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic, with SDOT saying they don’t yet have a timeline for all repairs.
We’ll be checking on its status again today; here’s our most-recent update, published Saturday.
WEATHER
Slight chance of rain, high in the mid-40s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is back on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
High Bridge – the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route.
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
9:27 AM: Pelicans emailed with a warning: “Was entering the westbound WS bridge from the southbound 99 ramp in the dark. There is a HUGE pool of standing water there and it is deep!”
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, December 30th.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 8th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic, with SDOT saying they don’t yet have a timeline for repairs.
A new map is out for the (long) bicycle detour.
WEATHER & WATER
Rainy and breezy, high near 50. There’s another Coastal Flood Advisory until 1 pm, though it predicts “minor” flooding; high tide is at 10:49 am.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
-Reminder that most transit services will be fare-free on Saturday
–Metro is on a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – 12 of the 126 had been fixed by the end of last week – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule – note that it won’t run Sunday or Monday
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
High Bridge – the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
1st Ave. S. Bridge – the south route.
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
ADDED 10:35 AM: Texter reports a backup on the West Seattle Bridge ramp to NB 99.
Earlier:
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, December 29th.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
This is the 7th day the low bridge has been closed to surface traffic, with SDOT expecting a 2-week-plus closure for repairs.
WEATHER & WATER
No weather alerts this morning – rain expected off and on today, high in the 40s. There’s a Coastal Flood Advisory for the morning’s high tide at 10:07 am.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is back to a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – 12 of the 126 had been fixed by the end of last week – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule – note that it won’t be running Sunday or Monday
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, December 28th.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
SDOT announced Tuesday that the low bridge won’t reopen for at least another two weeks – and they haven’t finalized a repair plan yet.
It’s been out of service since Friday. It’s being kept open to vessel traffic, but unusable for surface traffic.
WEATHER & WATER
The wind alert expired at 1 am as planned, though the wind hadn’t entirely died down by then. Today is expected to be quieter – mostly cloudy, breezy, high in the 40s. … After Tuesday’s weather-enhanced “king tide,” there’s a Coastal Flood Advisory for this morning, but it’s not expected to be a repeat – high tide should be closer to the predicted 12.8 feet at 9:24 am. (UPDATE: This was upgraded to a Coastal Flood Warning.) … One more note: South Park’s flooding-related closures were still in effect as of early today.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is back to a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – 12 of the 126 had been fixed by the end of last week – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Updating this recent report, five are now live. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Henderson.
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, December 27th.
LOW BRIDGE STILL CLOSED
We’re hoping for an update today on what’s wrong and why it’s taking so long to fix.
It’s been out of service since Friday.
WEATHER
More wind is on the way, according to the National Weather Service, with the latest alert – a High Wind Warning – and forecast viewable here; the strongest wind is expected in the pm. Rain continues, too; by late last night we were already getting reports of pooling water on local streets. Another water note: Today’s “king tide” – 12.9 feet – is at 8:40 am.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is back to a regular schedule today but still down buses for repairs – 12 of the 126 had been fixed by the end of last week – keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule but with a warning that the forecast high winds could affect service.
-WSF’s Triangle Route remains on its two-boat schedule- check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: As reported here, three have been added; four more are on the way. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon and Delridge/Orchard.
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
It’s the day after Christmas, but since the holiday happened on a Sunday this time, many are “observing” the holiday today. So we start the day with these notes:
TRANSPORTATION
*Low bridge still closed
*Metro on Sunday schedule
*No Water Taxi today
*Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state ferry route on 2-boat schedule
*Free parking today in areas of the city with on-street paid parking
*See citywide traffic cams here, West Seattle-relevant cams here
OTHER SERVICES/FACILITIES
*No USPS services except Priority Mail Express
*Banking holiday
*Libraries open today
*Most Seattle Parks facilities closed
WEATHER & TIDE
*Special Weather Statement for increased slide risk with heavy rain through Tuesday
*’King tide’ high tide at 7:55 am today – 13.0 feet
Got news? Text us at 206-293-6402,or email westseattleblog@gmail.com if non-urgent – thank you!
2:24 PM We’re launching our pm coverage with another photo of another West Seattle hill littered with vehicles whose drivers were thwarted by ice – the texter reports, “Lander St west of Admiral has several vehicles that have had to be abandoned, including an EMT vehicle. Please do not attempt to drive down closed roads!” We showed several other trouble spots in our first report on this icy day. The other big news right now – Metro just announced that service will resume at 4 pm, with Emergency Snow Network routing. Plus, the temperature’s finally risen to freezing. Carrying over our lists from earlier:
CLOSED/CANCELED SERVICES
-Low bridge closed for ‘mechanical issues’ (see 9:03 pm update below)
-All Metro bus service has resumed with Emergency Snow Network routes only until 4 am Saturday
–King County Water Taxi service CANCELED for reset of day
–Update: Sea-Tac (SEA) operations now has 2 of 3 runways open
–All Seattle Public Library locations closed
–West Seattle Food Bank closed
–West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA closed
–ArtsWest closing performance of “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” canceled
-Business closures/changes – see the list here
*Garbage/recycling/etc. canceled again today – no pickups until next week
OTHER INFOLINKS
–Winter Storm Warning until 7 pm
–SDOT Winter Weather Response map (which roads it’s serviced and how recently)
–Citywide traffic cams
–West Seattle traffic cams
–County traffic cams (choose “south” tab for White Center)
–Washington State Ferries alerts
Updates to come. Info and photos appreciated – westseattleblog@gmail.com or (text) 206-293-6302 – thank you!
3 PM: That’s the SDOT camera at California/Alaska, which a few people pointed out was aimed in an almost unrecognizable direction earlier. SDOT has aimed it back at the heart of Walk-All-Ways. Speaking of The Junction, a mail truck got into trouble on the north edge, SW Genesee east of 42nd:
On the other side of the mail truck is a multiple-vehicle icy-hill pileup. (Thanks to Viacheslav for the photo, and thanks to everyone who’s been sending photos – got some non-crash ones to add a bit later too.)
4:09 PM: The thaw is on! We can hear ice sliding off some of the shrubs and trees outside. So let’s look at a beauty shot – this is from Michelle R-R:
Also of note – Sea-Tac/SEA has announced that two of its three runways are now open. … Added to the list above, ArtsWest has canceled tonight’s closing performance of “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” (thanks for the tip).
5:27 PM: The temperature hasn’t warmed as much as forecast, but it is above freezing. Some went out and ice-skated today, like Claire, who recorded this video at Luna/Anchor Park:
Somebody else tweeted video of skating on a West Seattle street.
6:17 PM: The low bridge is closed for the second time today. … The melting has accelerated; we can hear it in the roof gutters/downspout.
6:29 PM: Trouble on the low bridge too. SDOT reports a westbound lane closed at 1st Ave.; tipster Todd says it’s a semitruck in trouble. … Still adding to our business closures/changes list; a texter pointed out that Metropolitan Market is closing at 8 pm.
8:30 PM: Melting has begun but that doesn’t mean the road ice is gone, as commenter Amy warns below … Metro says it will return to regular routing at 4 am Saturday, with a few suspended routes including West Seattle’s 125 … Sea-Tac/SEA says it’s expecting “near-normal operations” tomorrow … Though most of us are likely glad to see the ice go, it brought some beauty in its own way, this photo by Rosalie Miller shows us:
That’s thyme – “frozen in thyme,” as Rosalie quipped.
8:55 PM: As mentioned in comments, the westbound high bridge is blocked at the moment just east of the 99 overpass. It appears to be a towing operation, possibly related to the problem mentioned earlier. The low bridge appears to still be closed too, both ways.
9:03 PM: Just got an SDOT update about the low bridge:
The Spokane Street Bridge (Low Bridge) remains closed to all travelers as Seattle Department of Transportation crews continue to work to diagnose and repair mechanical issues which have caused the Spokane Street Bridge to stay in the open position. The bridge failed to close properly after a power outage was resolved and is stuck in an “open” position late this afternoon. Currently, there is no time estimate of when the bridge will re-open. SDOT advises people who drive, walk, bike, and roll on the low bridge to find alternate routes.
Also, WSF says the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be on one-boat service Saturday morning due to a staffing shortage.
10:45 PM: The westbound high bridge is open again.
(Latest images from SDOT high-bridge camera and California/Admiral camera)
5:45 AM: The ice arrived overnight and right now, much has come to a standstill as a result:
SUSPENDED/CLOSED/CANCELED
-All Metro/ST bus service suspended
–King County Water Taxi service CANCELED for reset of day
–Update: Sea-Tac (SEA) operations limited
–All Seattle Public Library locations closed
–West Seattle Food Bank closed
–West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA closed
-Business closures/changes – we’re making a list here
*Garbage/recycling/etc. canceled again today – no pickups until next week
The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect, with “heavy mixed precipitation including freezing rain” expected to linger for a while.
OTHER INFOLINKS
–SDOT Winter Weather Response map (which roads it’s serviced and how recently)
–Citywide traffic cams
–West Seattle traffic cams
–County traffic cams (choose “south” tab for White Center)
–Washington State Ferries alerts
7 AM: Metro has published an update and promises its next one at 10 am, so its services, including the Water Taxi, will remain suspended for at least several more hours. … The low bridge remains closed, and the SDOT map shows official closures on several notorious West Seattle hills including SW Genesee east of Avalon and SW Morgan west of 35th.
7:30 AM: We’ve had multiple reports of “flashes” and while the ones a few hours ago didn’t result in outages, we have one reported now – 218 customers in what looks to be mostly Puget Ridge:
As you can see on the City Light map, this is the biggest one in the city currently, but there’s a risk of more as the ice weighs down wires and branches.
8:10 AM: Ferry service is back to two boats on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run, so we’re moving the WSF alerts link to the “infolinks” list above. … Speaking of info, we’re also interested in business changes/closures, so please text/email if you have anything to announce (westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302). … We’re making that list here.
8:42 AM: More streets reported closed/blocks because of driver mishaps on the ice – SW Oregon east of California, SW Holden east of 35th. (Added – texted photo of SW Oregon)
Low bridge has now REOPENED.
9:09 AM: More crash reports from SDOT – Fauntleroy/Edmunds, Marine View Drive/SW 102nd. … Alki resident who just went up California from Harbor to The Admiral District reports “ice rink.” … That was from Debra, who also reports cars stuck in icy Admiral Safeway lot. … Speaking of Admiral, here’s a texted photo of Admiral Way at 47th AFTER a plow went through:
9:36 AM: SPU just made the call, no collection today either, no makeups tomorrow; if you were skipped this week, you can put out double next week.
10 AM: Metro says its service suspension will continue until at least 2 pm. Our business closures/changes list continues to lengthen. Lots of people reporting icy roads, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks.
10:41 AM: The SDOT truck above was seen on Beach Drive near Jacobsen, where Creighton reports: “Beach Drive at Jacobson zero traction, all ice. City deicing truck passed by at 9, but not able to scrape off any ice with its blade.” … Also this road report from Catherine: “48th Ave. SW at Genesee, a car tried to go southbound on 48th and is now sitting sideways across the street. The fire department is out of cones and neighbors are trying to find caution tape to block off the road at Genesee and 48th.”
11:30 AM: Above is a photo of Lincoln Park’s south parking lot, sent by Kelsey, who says it was left open last night and shouldn’t have been, so now drivers are going in and getting stuck. Avoid.
11:56 AM: Above is a photo from Paul showing the chain-reaction crash on the east side of Fauntleroy/Edmunds. Might be the same crash we mentioned earlier – most crashes are not getting cleared quickly for obvious reasons (including how backed up tow-truck drivers are). … New SDOT director Greg Spotts tweeted that he’s been out touring the city to check on crews and says the department’s West Seattle crews are doing excellent work. … We’re continuing to update the business closure/change list – including when we get word that businesses have indeed opened (Thunder Road Guitars [WSB sponsor] just did). Also, we’ll keep this report going for the next hour or so and then switch over to pm coverage.
12:21 PM: Water Taxi now canceled for the rest of the day.
12:34 PM: Thanks to the texter who reported power restored on Puget Ridge. SCL map shows all but 25 customers from that outage are back on. Meantime, an encouraging sign … the temperature has made it to 30 degrees.
1:14 PM: We’re going to end this roundup with a warm image .. Brian sent a photo of just-baked cookies, declaring this a “great day for baking”:
If you can do some baking too, this is the third day the south location of West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) is collecting homemade cookies for The Christmas People – WSC’s Ross says, “We will continue collecting cookies all day and will add an extra hour to drop off ending at 4:00 p.m. instead of 3:00 p.m. that will give more time to people. Many are stuck home in a cold day so I could be a perfect day for baking cookies and do something good. Yesterday was kind of slow so we hope to make it up today.” They’ll also accept cookies 9 am-3 pm tomorrow.
(For PM coverage, go here)
5:09 PM: That’s a texted photo of Fairmount Avenue – through the trees – where several drivers got into trouble this afternoon. It’s one of the icy, hilly streets you’ll want to stay off again tonight, even before the forecast snow/freezing rain moves in. Speaking of which, we’re now officially under an upgraded alert, a Winter Storm Warning, which took effect at 4 pm. The National Weather Service still warns that what’s on the way is a “complex mix” and says that it’ll be snow until about 2 am, then freezing rain, with temperatures starting to rise. In the meantime, if the freezing rain really does arrive, risks include power outages from ice-laden branches and wires, so keep everything charged. The well-below-freezing weather also has affected water service for some – we just got a text about a water outage at 32nd/Cloverdale, which is now on the Seattle Public Utilities map; an earlier outage at 36th/106th has been resolved.
INFOLINKS
SDOT Winter Weather Response map (which roads it’s serviced and how recently)
Metro alerts and reroutes
Washington State Ferries alerts
Citywide traffic cams
West Seattle traffic cams
County traffic cams (choose “south” tab for White Center)
Updates as we get them. (westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/call 206-293-6302 – thanks!)
7:01 PM: The West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) says it’s opening late Friday, 9 am.
8:23 PM: No precipitation yet here on the Gatewood/Upper Fauntleroy line (nor on any of the WS traffic cams we’ve checked), but the radar shows it headed this way. Let us know when you see it where you are!
9:55 PM: The NWS’s latest forecast discussion explains the radar: “Widespread light radar echos are spreading across the region this evening. The vast majority of this precipitation is evaporating before reaching the surface due to the cold, dry airmass in place.” But the NWS still expects that to change at some point during the night.
11:29 PM: Some icy precipitation in this video Brendan tweeted:
Out here in @westseattleblog with #ice pellets off truck to see with views of #Seattle skyline on this getting warmer Thursday night. Video by me. #wawx #weather #Weathercloud @ScottSeattleWx pic.twitter.com/lwVgRaqos3
— Brendan Ramsey (@DaGr8Brendinni) December 23, 2022
We’re seeing some on the traffic cameras, too. Meantime, SFD confirmed to us late tonight that two fire-alarm calls in West Seattle earlier today – including one at the QFC/Capco Plaza building in The Junction – were water-related. Overall, SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB, “Dating back to Monday, Dec. 19, Seattle Fire has responded to approximately 13 medical emergencies related to the snow and cold weather.”
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, December 22nd, and it’s very cold – 19 degrees right now.
WEATHER
Continuing cold again today, with a high temperature in the 20s, and a Winter Storm Watch for later today into tomorrow, predicting snow again in the pm.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
-Compounding weather challenges, Metro is still down buses for repairs and is (updated) canceling many trips again today. Keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for cancellations and suspensions. Also, here’s the page with rerouting info.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.
-WSF’s Triangle Route starts the day down a boat because of M/V Issaquah’s mechanical trouble – check here for alerts/updates.
STREETS & SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
Here’s the SDOT Winter Weather Response map showing which roads have been recently treated and when, as well as closed roads. Some impassably icy roads won’t show there (like these), though, so your best bet is to stick to treated routes.
New Delridge cameras: As reported here, three have been added; four more are on the way. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon and Delridge/Orchard.
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
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