6:59 AM: Good morning. If you’re just getting going, you missed major early-morning problems, now both resolved. So it’s on with our regular traffic watch

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

415th morning without the West Seattle Bridge:

Low Bridge: Open again after “mechanical trouble” kept it closed to all modes of traffic all night. We’re following up with SDOT to find out what went wrong. Here’s a low-bridge view:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way – The early-morning crash that closed West Marginal has cleared.

1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

TRANSIT

Buses – Metro has just returned to regular routing after rerouting to the 1st Avenue S. Bridge during the low-bridge closure.

Ferries – The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth WSF route is back to 2 boats after 1 boat was taken out of service last night for crew shortage.

The West Seattle Water Taxi continues on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings; the free 773 and 775 shuttles are running daily too.

TRAFFIC CAMERAS

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

5 AM: Another complication to early-morning traffic – a crash on West Marginal Way. Witnesses say it’s a flipped-car crash. It’s logged in the 5400 block of West Marginal [map]. Police and fire are on scene. SDOT says West Marginal is blocked both ways right now.

5:21 AM: SFD has had to shuffle assignment of medical resources because of the low-bridge outage. In dispatching an added unit, the description of the original crash report was that a car hit a pole, overturned, and caught fire. We don’t know yet about injuries. SPD is calling for an SDOT crew to clean up “foam and debris all over the roadway.”

5:40 AM: Police have just told dispatch they hope to have the southbound lanes reopened “in about five minutes.”

6:15 AM: SDOT says the scene is now completely cleared.

8:10 AM: From the preliminary police summary:

Patrol responded to the report of a vehicle colliding into a pole and flipping onto its top. The call was updated that the vehicle was also on fire. SPD and SFD arrived to find the lone occupant out of the vehicle. The pole had sustained severe damage and City Light responded as well. The entire roadway was closed during the response. The driver was found to be impaired and arrested for DUI. City Light determined the pole would need to be replaced and called their team to respond. The replacement would take several hours and require the closure of some lanes. SDOT arrived and took over the lane closures.

We’re asking City Light about the repair status.

10:35 AM: We’ve confirmed with SFD that no one was injured. Also, here’s what SCL’s Julie Moore tells us about the repairs:

We have two crews working on it. We will probably need to shut down the east lane on West Marginal Way and will have flaggers assisting with that. Other impacts (e.g., outages) are unlikely or will be minimal. Estimating approximately 8-10 hours to complete the work.

1:13 AM: If you have to cross the Duwamish soon, don’t head for the low bridge. It’s been closed to surface traffic for more than an hour; SDOT says via Twitter that it’s “mechanical trouble.”

1:30 AM: The bridge had trouble Tuesday afternoon, too.

2:09 AM: Still not open.

4:58 AM: Metro is rerouting buses over the 1st Avenue South Bridge.

5:59 AM: The low bridge is still out of service and SDOT has finally confirmed that means ALL modes – closed to bicyclists and pedestrians as well as motor-vehicle drivers. No word yet on how much longer this is expected to last.

6:51 AM: The low bridge has just reopened.

10:40 AM: Here’s how SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson answered our question about what went wrong:

The Spokane St bridge was closed last night from approximately 11:30 p.m. to 6:45 a.m. due to an intermittent mechanical issue which triggered a safeguard preventing the bridge gates from being opened. This is an intentional safety measure which ensures that people cannot travel over the bridge until the underlying mechanical issue is resolved. Our engineers and maintenance staff worked through the night to complete the immediate work to address the problem and verify that it was safe to reopen the bridge. We are still working to understand the underlying root cause, and determine next steps to ensure that this does not happen again.

4:05 PM: An update from SDOT:

There were two separate mechanical issues which occurred on the Spokane St bridge, both of which triggered the safeguard of closing the bridge gates to the public.

On May 11 at roughly 4:10 pm, the tail lock on the east side of the bridge triggered an alarm, which is related to a known issue with the hydraulic arm that extends/ retracts the locking pin. Engineers and maintenance staff were able to address this issue and reopen the bridge at about 7:00pm. We are planning to address this issue by building a new hydraulic arm, and will also refurbish the existing arm as a backup for future use.

On May 11 at 11:05 pm, a small component within the traffic barrier turning mechanism got stuck preventing the gate from opening. As a safeguard, the gate is programmed to shut down if something is interfering with its normal operations in order to prevent further damage. When the gate shut down, it triggered other control system alarms and safeguards, resulting in all gates from closing. Our engineers and maintenance staff worked through the night to complete the immediate work to address the problem and verify that it was safe to reopen the bridge at about 6:15 a.m.

6:07 AM: Good morning. More sunshine today!

ROAD WORK UPDATES

35th/Graham – The work zone has now expanded into both southbound lanes of 35th at Graham, so it’s one lane each way using the northbound side.

Delridge project – This week’s plan spotlights the 21st/Delridge closure and says the end is in sight for Delridge/Orchard,

SW Yancy east of Avalon – Still closed for utility work related to housing construction.

FERRIES/BUSES

Washington State Ferries is delaying the return to 3-boat service on the Triangle Route for at least another month.

The West Seattle Water Taxi continues on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings; the free 773 and 775 shuttles are running daily too.

Metro is on its regular schedule.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

414th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 18th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

Thanks for the tip. Police are being dispatched to 6th/Roxbury [map], where a collision has brought down all or part of a tree onto the eastbound side of the road. No traffic cameras in that area, so we’re on our way to look.

10:20 AM: Photo added. Slowdown starts several blocks west.

6:12 AM: Good morning! Lots of sunshine expected this week.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

Delridge project – This week’s plan highlights the 21st/Delridge closure and says the end is in sight for Delridge/Orchard,

35th/Graham – Work continues, with Graham closed on both sides of 35th.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – Still closed for utility work related to housing construction.

FERRIES/BUSES

Washington State Ferries is delaying the return to 3-boat service on the Triangle Route for at least another month.

The West Seattle Water Taxi continues on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings; the free 773 and 775 shuttles are running daily too.

Metro is on its regular schedule.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

413th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 18th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

6:12 AM: Good morning! Showery forecast for today.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

West Marginal sidewalk – More work this weekend, on the west side of the road, north of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, 8 am-3 pm both days.

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work continues, plus side-street closures and repaving of Delridge Way’s north end. Next week’s plan will be in later today.

35th/Graham – Work continues, with Graham closed on both sides of 35th.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – Still closed at last check.

Home Zones – Speed-hump installation continues around the Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview areas.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings; the free 773 and 775 shuttles are running daily too.

Metro is on a regular schedule. Even if you seldom ride, you’re invited to respond to this new survey.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

410th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 17th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

6:03 AM: Good morning! Cloudy, breezy forecast for today.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work continues, plus repaving of Delridge Way’s north end.

35th/Graham – Work continues, with Graham closed on both sides of 35th.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – Still closed.

Home Zones – Speed-hump installation continues around the Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview areas.

West Marginal sidewalk – More work this weekend, on the west side of the road, north of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings, which means the free 773 and 775 shuttles are running daily too.

Metro is on a regular schedule. Even if you seldom ride, you’re invited to respond to this new survey.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

409th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 17th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

6:03 AM: Good morning! Warmer, with some sunshine expected, today.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work continues, plus repaving of Delridge Way’s north end (photo above).

35th/Graham – Work continues with Graham closed on both sides of 35th.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – Still closed.

Home Zones – Speed-hump installation continues around the Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview areas.

West Marginal sidewalk – More work this weekend, on the west side of the road, north of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings, which means the free 773 and 775 shuttles are running daily too.

Metro has increased the number of passengers allowed on buses. Even if you seldom ride, you’re invite to respond to this new survey.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

408th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 17th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

Thanks to the texter who sent the photo: Part of the signal system will need repairs after this crash on the southwest side of the California/Edmunds/Erskine intersection. No Seattle Fire callout so far, so apparently no injuries of note.

6:03 AM: Good morning! Some sunshine expected later today.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work continues, plus repaving of Delridge Way’s north end.

35th/Graham – Work continues with Graham blocked on both sides of 35th.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – No word on reopening yet.

Home Zones – Speed-hump installation continues around the Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview areas.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings, which means the free 773 and 775 shuttles are running daily too.

Metro has increased the number of passengers allowed on buses. Even if you seldom ride, you’re invite to respond to this new survey.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

407th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 17th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

6:07 AM: Good morning! Clouds are in the forecast, maybe rain later.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work continues, and repaving expands to Delridge Way’s north end as soon as today.

35th/Graham – Work continues to remake this intersection, including a signal.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – Still closed.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings.

Metro has increased the number of passengers allowed on buses. And now it’s rehiring laid-off drivers.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

406th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 17th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

Are bridges opening for boats or barges? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

6:07 AM: Good morning! Rainy, breezy forecast for today.

ROAD WORK UPDATES

West Marginal – Sidewalk work on the west side of the street, north of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, starts this weekend – here are the details.

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work continues, and other sites, including paving on the far-north end of Delridge starting next week.

35th/Graham – Work continues to remake this intersection, including a signal.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – This closure has been extended.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings.

Metro has increased the number of passengers allowed on buses. And now it’s rehiring laid-off drivers.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

403rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 16th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

To check for bridges’ marine-traffic openings, see the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

6:07 AM: Good morning! Another partly sunny forecast for today – with rain expected tomorrow.

ROAD WORK

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work continues, and more, including paving on the far-north end of Delridge starting next week.

35th/Graham – Work continues to remake this intersection, including a signal.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – This closure has been extended.

West Marginal – Sidewalk work on the west side of the street, north of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, starts this weekkend.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings.

Metro has increased the number of passengers allowed on buses. And now it’s rehiring laid-off drivers.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

402nd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 16th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are now available for some categories of drivers.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

To check for bridges’ marine-traffic openings, see the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

6:03 AM: Good morning! Partly sunny forecast for today.

ROAD WORK

35th/Graham – Work continues to remake this intersection, including a signal.

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work continues, and more.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – This closure will continue a few more weeks, the project team says.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings.

Metro has increased the number of passengers allowed on buses.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

401st morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 16th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Read about other changes here.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

To check for bridges’ marine-traffic openings, see the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

3:32 PM: If you’re headed out any time soon, be aware that emergency crews are responding to a two-car crzsh on the NB 1st Avenue South Bridge. Minor injuries, per dispatch.

4:13 PM: WSDOT’s camera shows the scene has cleared.

6:07 AM: Good morning! Though the sun stayed around an extra daay, rain is in the forecast as soon as tonight.

ROAD WORK

35th/Graham – Here’s the construction alert.

Delridge project – Delridge/Orchard work is a key point of this work for the next month or so.

SW Yancy east of Avalon – This closure is now going to last a few more weeks, according to the project team.

TRANSIT

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its spring/summer schedule – all day, 7 days a week, plus Friday and Saturday evenings.

Metro has increased the number of passengers allowed on buses.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

396th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how it’s looking on other bridges and routes:

Low Bridge: 15th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is now open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Read about other changes here.)

Here’s a low-bridge view:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):

For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:

To check for bridges’ marine-traffic openings, see the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.