West Seattle, Washington
07 Wednesday
5:44 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge is empty for the 28th consecutive morning, and will remain that way for a long time. The low bridge is restricted and enforcement continues.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, exiting at Michigan.
Your other option is the South Park Bridge (map), which drops you onto East Marginal Way one mile south of the north end of the 1st Ave. South Bridge.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
ROAD WORK ALERT: Striping work continues in the 35th/Avalon/Alaska project zone this week.
TRANSIT ALERTS:
Metro’s third round of service cuts has begun – details here.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:53 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge is empty for the 25th consecutive morning, and now we know the closure will span hundreds of days. So will restrictions on the low bridge, which SPD s enforcing daily.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, exiting at Michigan.
Your other option is the South Park Bridge (map), which drops you onto East Marginal Way a mile south of the north end of the 1st Ave. South Bridge.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
ROAD WORK ALERT: The last stretch of Avalon paving west of 35th is complete. Crews have been continuing to install permanent striping and marking throughout the full project zone.
TRANSIT ALERTS:
Metro is launching a third round of service cuts this weekend – details here.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
7:52 PM: Thanks to J for the photo. Police report that westbound Admiral Way is blocked at 49th SW because of this crash. No serious injuries reported – one SFD engine was dispatched but has already been canceled.
8:32 PM: They’re still awaiting at least one of the tow trucks and an SDOT crew to clean up the scene.
9:26 PM: Police have radioed that “all lanes are open.”
2:03 PM: Heads-up – that bus is stalled and awaiting a tow, blocking eastbound traffic toward the east side of the low bridge. Could be affecting the Spokane/Delridge/Chelan/Marginal intersection too, so if you have to head that way, wait a bit.
3:21 PM: Camera shows it’s cleared.
5:44 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge is empty for the 24th consecutive morning, and now we know the closure will span hundreds of days. So will restrictions on the low bridge, which are being enforced every day.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, exiting at Michigan.
Your other option is the South Park Bridge (map), which drops you onto East Marginal Way a mile south of the north end of the 1st Ave. South Bridge.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
ROAD WORK ALERT: The last stretch of Avalon paving west of 35th is complete. But crews are continuing to install permanent striping and marking throughout the full project zone.
TRANSIT ALERTS FOR THIS WEEK:
As reported here, the Metro and Water Taxi schedules have been slashed. Use the lookup to see which bus trips are canceled.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:40 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge is now empty for the 23rd consecutive morning. Restrictions remain for the low bridge – transit, freight, and emergency responses; SPD presence/enforcement continued Tuesday,in multiple dayparts.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
Or use the South Park Bridge (map), which drops you onto East Marginal Way a mile south of the north end of the 1st Ave. South Bridge.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
ROAD WORK ALERT: The last stretch of Avalon paving west of 35th is done:
But crews are continuing to work on permanent striping and marking throughout the full project zone.
TRANSIT ALERTS FOR THIS WEEK:
As first reported here, the Metro and Water Taxi schedules have been slashed. Use the lookup to see which bus trips are canceled.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
6:30 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge is now empty for the 22nd consecutive morning. Restrictions remain for the low bridge – transit, freight, and emergency responses; SPD presence continued on Monday.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
Or use the South Park Bridge (map), which drops you onto East Marginal Way a mile south of the north end of the 1st Ave. South Bridge.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
TRANSIT ALERTS FOR THIS WEEK:
As first reported here, the Metro and Water Taxi schedules have been slashed. Use the lookup to see which bus trips are canceled.
ROAD WORK UPDATE:
Permanent striping/marker placement in the Avalon/35th/Alaska project zone is scheduled to continue today, as are parking restrictions. Here’s the latest.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:44 AM: Three weeks ago today, the city closed the high-rise West Seattle Bridge, now empty for the 21st consecutive morning. Restrictions remain for the low bridge – transit, freight, and emergency responses; SPD presence continued on Friday.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
Or use the South Park Bridge (map), which drops you onto East Marginal Way a mile south of the north end of the 1st Ave. South Bridge.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
TRANSIT ALERTS FOR THIS WEEK:
As first reported here, the Metro and Water Taxi schedules have been slashed. Use the lookup to see which bus trips are canceled.
ROAD WORK UPDATE:
Work on the last section of Avalon to be paved, west of 35th SW, is scheduled for tonight, which means that stretch of road will be closed; permanent striping in the project zone continues today, as do parking restrictions. Here’s the latest.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing if you’re still commuting – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:40 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 18th consecutive morning.
SDOT clarified Wednesday that the low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, and emergency responses; SPD presence continued on Thursday and new signage is still being added.
REMINDER: For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
TRANSIT ALERTS FOR TODAY:
As first reported here, Metro‘s schedule shrunk again at the start of the week . Use the lookup to see which trips are canceled.
The Water Taxi’s schedule is also reduced – 2 morning departures and 2 evening returns – and its shuttles are no longer operating.
ROAD WORK UPDATE:
Work on the last section of Avalon to be paved, west of 35th SW, is now on pause until Monday because of the mayor’s orders for a two-day citywide public-works construction stopdown – striping will resume Monday; here’s the latest.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing if you’re still commuting – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:35 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 17th consecutive morning.
SDOT clarified Wednesday that the low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, and emergency response; SPD presence continued, and there’s more new signage.
REMINDER: For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
TRANSIT ALERTS FOR TODAY:
As first reported here, Metro‘s schedule shrunk again at the start of the week . Use the lookup to see which trips are canceled.
The Water Taxi’s schedule is also reduced – 2 morning departures and 2 evening returns – and its shuttles are no longer operating.
ROAD WORK UPDATE:
Work on the last section of Avalon to be paved, west of 35th SW, is now on pause until Monday because of the mayor’s orders for a two-day citywide public-works construction stopdown – striping will resume Monday; full update later today.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing if you’re still commuting – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
7:29 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 16th consecutive morning.
The low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, emergency response, and Harbor Island access – spot enforcement started Monday, and there’s new signage and lane striping to reinforce the restrictions.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
TRANSIT ALERTS FOR TODAY:
As first reported here, Metro‘s schedule is reduced . Use the lookup to see which trips are canceled.
The Water Taxi’s schedule is reduced too – 2 morning departures and 2 evening returns – and its shuttles are no longer operating.
ROAD WORK REMINDER:
Work on the last section of Avalon to be paved, west of 35th SW, is happening this week – striping in the full project zone, too.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing if you’re still commuting – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:40 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 15th consecutive morning.
The low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, emergency response, and Harbor Island access – spot enforcement started Monday, and you’ll see new signage and lane striping to reinforce the restrictions.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
TRANSIT ALERTS FOR TODAY:
As first reported here, Metro‘s schedule is reduced further. Use the lookup to see which trips are canceled.
The Water Taxi’s schedule is reduced too – 2 morning departures and 2 evening returns – and its shuttles are no longer operating.
ROAD WORK REMINDER:
Work on the last section of Avalon to be paved, west of 35th SW, is happening this week – striping in the full project zone, too.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing if you’re still commuting – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:35 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 14th consecutive morning.
The low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, emergency response, and Harbor Island access – too many continue to ignore that, so SDOT told us in last week’s interview, they’re working on an enforcement plan and better signage.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
TRANSIT ALERTS FOR TODAY:
As first reported here, Metro‘s schedule is reduced further. Use the lookup to see which trips are canceled.
The Water Taxi’s schedule is reduced starting today – 2 morning departures and 2 evening returns – and its shuttles are no longer operating.
ROAD WORK REMINDER:
Work on the last section of Avalon to be paved, west of 35th SW, is likely to start tonight.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing if you’re still commuting – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
12:10 PM: A three-car crash is reported at Delridge/Orchard, with SPD and SFD responding. Avoid the area.
12:25 PM: We are arriving in the area. Delridge is blocked south of the intersection.
12:33 PM: Photo added. At least one person is being transported by by AMR ambulance.
5:44 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 11th consecutive morning.
The low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, emergency response, and Harbor Island access – SDOT told us in a Thursday interview, it’s working on an enforcement plan and better signage.
The main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Metro‘s canceled trips as the Reduced Schedule continues
Sound Transit Route 560’s Reduced Schedule
West Seattle Water Taxi schedule
Let us know what you’re seeing on your alternate commute – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:44 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 10th consecutive morning.
The low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, emergency response, and Harbor Island access – the city hopes you’ll honor that without the threat of police enforcement.
The main alternative across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.
You also can cross via the South Park Bridge (map).
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Metro‘s canceled trips as the Reduced Schedule continues
Sound Transit Route 560’s Reduced Schedule
West Seattle Water Taxi schedule
Let us know what you’re seeing on your alternate commute – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:40 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed.
The low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, emergency response, and Harbor Island access – the city hopes you’ll honor that without the threat of police enforcement.
The main alternative across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main route to I-5.
You also can cross on the South Park Bridge (map).
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Metro‘s canceled trips as the Reduced Schedule continues
Sound Transit Route 560’s Reduced Schedule
West Seattle Water Taxi schedule
Let us know what you’re seeing on your alternate commute – comment, or text (not while at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:35 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed today, and Monday’s City Council briefing made it clear it’ll likely be closed for months.
The new Highland Park Way/Holden signal is now in operation. Meantime, the low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, emergency response, and Harbor Island access – the city hopes you’ll honor that.
The main alternative across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main route to I-5.
You also can cross the river via the South Park Bridge (map).
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
Metro routes are affected, too – check yours here (the new Reduced Schedule also applies, plus Sound Transit is reducing the 560 schedule). Also on a reduced schedule now: Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route. Taking the Water Taxi? Here’s the schedule (the WT, like Metro, is currently free).
Let us know what you’re seeing on your alternate commute – comment, or text (not while at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
5:40 AM: Today marks one week since the sudden shutdown of the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. (The City Council gets a briefing at 9:30 am today.)
And remember – the new Highland Park Way/Holden signal is now in operation!
Meantime, though we have yet to see enforcement, the low bridge is off-limits unless you’re transit, freight, emergency response, or working on Harbor Island. As of Sunday night, only a very small sign pointed this out at the eastbound entrance.
The main alternative across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5.
Or, the South Park Bridge (map).
Metro routes are affected, too – check yours here (and remember the new Reduced Schedule also applies, plus Sound Transit is reducing the 560 schedule). Also on a reduced schedule now: Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route. Taking the Water Taxi? Here’s the schedule (the WT, like Metro, is currently free).
Let us know what you’re seeing on your alternate commute – comment, or text (not while at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
12:18 PM: Emergency responders are at the scene of what’s reported as a car-on-side crash in the 1500 block of Alki SW (map).
12:21 PM: Adding a texted photo (thank you!). Per crews’ reports from the scene, everyone in the vehicle got out OK but a medic unit is being sent for a woman who may need treatment.
12:33 PM: At least three people will be taken to the hospital, via SFD medic unit and AMR ambulances.
12:44 PM: Added two more texted photos above (thanks to that texter too!). Some of the SFD units are being dismissed.
UPDATE 12:20 PM MONDAY: This is being investigated as DUI, SPD confirms. As for the victims, here’s what SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us:
5 of the occupants were able to self-extricate from the vehicle. Our crews were able to safely extricate the 1 year old female from their car seat.
29 year old female in stable condition.
26 year old male in stable condition.
5 year old male with no reported injuries.
9 year old male with no reported injuries.
7 year old male with minor injuries.
1 year old female with no reported injuries.
All were transported to HMC.
2:16 PM MONDAY: SPD’s update includes this:
At the hospital, the 26-year-old male driver was evaluated and showed signs of impairment. There was evidence of drug use by both the adult occupants. Officers obtained a search warrant for a blood sample from the driver. Following his release from the hospital, the driver was booked into the King County Jail for DUI.
12:11 PM: SDOT crews have continued to work through the weekend installing the “temporary signal” at Highland Park Way and SW Holden (map), announced Wednesday as one of the first traffic-tackling measures to deal with the detous forced by the West Seattle Bridge closure. The picture above is what we saw about an hour ago. SDOT told us on Friday they expect to be done sometime in the coming week. Until the bridge’s sudden shutdown, the city had been in the early stages of designing a “fully signalized intersection” after many years of community pleas (here’s the plan posted earlier this month). We should find out more about the bridge situation and traffic-mitigation plan when the City Council is briefed Monday morning at 9:30 am (here’s how to watch/listen).
5:38 PM: Just went through to confirm what a commenter reported – it’s now operational.
4:32 PM: Thanks to the tipster who called to let us know about a traffic tie-up at Highland Park Way/Holden because of work crews. This is where SDOT told us on Wednesday that a temporary traffic signal would be installed because the high-rise West Seattle Bridge’s closure has put added stress on the already-busy intersection. We just got here to check and SDOT is in the southbound lane of HP Way on both sides of Holden. Avoid the area.
5:29 PM: We checked with SDOT regarding status. Spokesperson Ethan Bergerson replied, “We started work for the signal installation yesterday and are continuing today. We expect to be done sometime next week depending on weather. To give you a better sense of the timing, we began electrical work yesterday and are working on striping today.”
5:35 AM: For the fourth day, the high-level West Seattle Bridge is closed – here’s our latest report.
No timetable for repairs yet:
The low bridge is off-limits unless you’re transit, freight, emergency response, or working on Harbor Island. (SDOT requests voluntary compliance.)
A primary alternative across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5.
Or, the South Park Bridge (map).
Metro routes are affected, too – check yours here (and remember the new Reduced Schedule also applies). Taking the Water Taxi? Here’s the schedule (the WT, like Metro, is currently free). Let us know what you’re seeing on your alternate commute – comment, or text (not while at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
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