West Seattle, Washington
28 Saturday
(SDOT time-lapse video of Sunday’s cylinder removal)
As we reported on Sunday, SDOT has removed the leaky turning cylinder from the West Seattle low bridge (aka Spokane Street Swing Bridge) and is now doing testing that will help determine how soon it can reopen to street/path traffic. From SDOT’s update this afternoon:
Bridge engineers are continuing to work to reconfigure the eastern span of the bridge to run on one turning cylinder and continue testing to verify when the bridge can safely be reopened. …
Bridge engineers have reprogrammed the computer system which controls the bridge equipment, and are now working to reconfigure the hydraulic system to function with one cylinder. Technicians are replacing the valves and hoses on the hydraulic power unit pumps which send fluid to the cylinders that open and close the bridge. During testing this week, engineers determined that several of these valves were broken and needed to be replaced to ensure the bridge operates safely and reliably.
Once the hydraulic power unit pump valves and hoses have been replaced, bridge operators will continue testing the bridge systems to determine when it can safely be reopened to the public. People may see the bridge moving as we open and close the bridge for these tests.
Once the bridge reopens, the eastern span of the bridge will operate on the one remaining turning cylinder while the broken cylinder is being refurbished. During this time, opening and closing the bridge for passing ships will take about 10-15 minutes longer than usual.
The low bridge has been closed to drivers, riders, and foot traffic since December 23rd. SDOT says the leaky cylinder and others were planned for overhauls anyway – and the breakdown forced the process to accelerate. The cylinder removed Sunday is now at a hydraulic-repair shop.
We photographed that crew working today at 35th/Avalon, and already had an inquiry out to SDOT after a tip Monday from Jon. Today, SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson gave us this outline of what’s changing there – and nearby:
Our traffic signals crews are currently working to replace signal-control equipment and make operational improvements at three nearby intersections. If all goes well, we expect the work at all three signals will likely be completed by the end of the day:
35th Ave SW & SW Avalon Way: We are replacing signal-control equipment and adding a northbound right-turn arrow at 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way. This improvement was requested by King County Metro to help with transit operations.
35th Ave SW & Fauntleroy Way SW: We are replacing signal-control equipment and adding a leading pedestrian interval (also sometimes called a pedestrian-first walk signal) to the intersection of 35th Ave SW and Fauntleroy Way SW. This is a safety improvement that gives people walking across the street a few seconds head start before cars get a green light, making pedestrians more visible to people driving. Citywide collision data indicates there has been a 50% drop in pedestrian turning collisions at the intersections where we’ve added this safety feature.
SW Avalon Way & Fauntleroy Way SW: We are replacing signal-control equipment, but there will not be a noticeable change to the way the signal operates from the public’s perspective.
Note: We already added leading pedestrian intervals to the other two intersections a few months ago. We have also recently readjusted the signal timing to give pedestrians more time to cross the street at all three locations.
(SDOT photo, Sunday night)
On Sunday we told you about the removal of a leaky 7 1/2-ton cylinder from the machine house of the West Seattle low bridge, now in its third week of closure to surface traffic. SDOT says it’s now testing “how the bridge works with a single cylinder,” and that means you might be seeing some bridge movement. This testing, according to SDOT, will enable them to “make an educated estimate of how much longer repairs will take.” The cylinder itself is to be overhauled at a hydraulic-repair shop.
(SDOT photos)
12:16 PM: SDOT has just sent photos from inside the West Seattle low bridge (aka the Spokane Street Swing Bridge), with word that the next major step in repair work is happening right now. Crews are removing the bridge’s leaky cylinder – after which, SDOT has said, they’ll be able to estimate how long it’ll take to get the bridge back to full service.
This is what SDOT said last week will be done next:
The cylinder will need to be temporarily removed and overhauled off-site. Over the past 10 days, we built and assembled some of the equipment necessary to move the massive cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed, we will re-engineer the bridge’s eastern span to temporarily operate on the single remaining turning cylinder. This work requires reprogramming the control system and testing it to ensure the new configuration is reliable and safe. While the eastern bridge span is running with one cylinder, opening and closing the bridge for passing ships will take about 10 minutes longer than usual.
The bridge has been closed to street and path traffic since December 23rd.
P.S. SDOT director Greg Spotts is play-by-play posting about the removal on Twitter.
2:11 PM: Another photos added from inside. – above, what Spotts describes as “the ‘cradle’ that will receive the cylinder.” SDOT says this is pretty much a day-long operation – when the cylinder comes out, it’ll be on the east side of the “machine house” at ground level, possibly visible via this camera.
2:36 PM: They’re getting closer to cylinder removal:
5:36 PM: They’re still working on getting the 15,000-pound cylinder out. As of about an hour ago, it was secured in its cradle:
6:39 PM: Almost there:
7:33 PM: It’s out:
Now it’ll be taken to an SDOT facility, and then to a hydraulic-repair shop.
While looking for transit-related information, we happened onto a Metro survey – in this case, a survey that’s being used to find participants for a study seeking feedback on “trip-planning tools like maps, schedules, and alerts.” The deadline for the survey is tomorrow; its questions involve demographics and transportation habits. They’re offering incentives – drawings for $100 gift cards among people who take the survey, and $150 compensation for respondents chosen for the study. If you’re interested, you can answer the survey here.
As promised, SDOT has gone public before week’s end with details of how you can ride the West Seattle Water Taxi and/or Metro buses fare-free for the duration of the low-bridge closure. As SDOT reps told West Seattle Bike Connections on Tuesday, the plan uses the Transit GO app, so if you’re interested, you have to download that if you don’t have it already. Here’s what happens from there, as explained by SDOT:
-Click on “Rewards” and enter code LOWBRIDGE23 to get 1,500 points for your next ride. Please note: there may be a slight delay in these points appearing.
-Tap “Redeem” and then select the free ride of your choice (King County Metro bus or West Seattle Water Taxi).
-Go to “View Ticket” and then confirm your order (required).
-Then, activate your ticket and show it to your transit operator.
-Once your ticket has been used, you’ll automatically be rewarded with another 1,500 points for your next ride. You’ll continue to earn free tickets while this rewards program is in effect.
As for how long that’ll be – how long the low-bridge closure will last – no new info on that. Meantime (as also noted on Tuesday), the funding for the bus/Water Taxi rides is coming from the voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure, a .15% sales tax (15 cents on a $100 purchase).
Tomorrow marks two weeks since the West Seattle low-bridge breakdown left it out of service to street and path traffic. Here’s the latest:
(SDOT photo)
That’s SDOT director Greg Spotts visiting the low bridge today for a firsthand look at the repair work. (He chronicled his visit in this Twitter thread.) No new estimates of how long the bridge will be closed, though. We asked today if there’s a date yet for removing the leaky cylinder, which SDOT says has to be done before they can estimate a timeline for repairs; spokesperson Ethan Bergerson replied, “We’re continuing our preparations, such as securing all the necessary equipment, and haven’t scheduled the exact day and time yet.” (Back on Tuesday, he said they hoped to remove it within a week.) We also asked how long until they announced details of the plan to offer free Water Taxi and bus rides; Bergerson said, “We are currently working with King County Metro to finalize everything in order to offer free transit. We hope to be able to make an announcement tomorrow.” SDOT reps told West Seattle Bike Connections on Tuesday that the free rides – funded by city dollars – would be available to everyone, not just bike riders, whose only alternative to the low bridge is a lengthy detour about which riders have raised safety concerns.
The low bridge broke down on December 23rd, with SDOT blaming multiple issues, most significantly an “intensified” leak in one of the four 15,000-pound cylinders that open and close the 31-year-old bridge for vessel traffic.
ADDED 10:23 AM: While we await full details, SDOT wants to reiterate what we reported Tuesday night – that the free-ride offer will be available via the Transit GO app, so if you’re interested, you’ll need to download that in advance.
According to Washington State Ferries‘ most-recent Service Restoration Plan update, “Early in 2023, WSF will begin trialing full, three-boat service on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route.” How early? The plan is on the agenda for WSF’s winter community meetings, which will be held online next week, as explained in the announcement:
At 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, and 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, WSF staff will discuss the ferry system’s service restoration progress, ongoing efforts to address workforce challenges as well as updates on key projects. WSF Assistant Secretary Patty Rubstello will lead the meetings in coordination with the Ferry Advisory Committees, appointed representatives of ferry-served communities who advise WSF.
Both events will cover the same material and are designed to give participants the option to join the Zoom meeting that best fits their schedule. Meeting participants will be able to ask questions and provide comments.
You can register for one or both meetings via links on this page. Meantime, given that vessel availability is a factor in service restoration, we asked WSF today about repair progress on M/V Cathlamet, out of servive since the Fauntleroy crash last July. WSF spokesperson Ian Sterling says it’s expected back in service by the end of March.
Hours after SDOT‘s most-recent update on the West Seattle low-bridge closure, department reps were guests at West Seattle Bike Connections‘ monthly meeting. Among the new information that emerged – more on the plan for free cross-Duwamish travel during the closure:
In response to questions during the online meeting, they clarified that the free rides would be available to everyone interested – not just people with bicycles in tow. As the slide above shows, though the Water Taxi and buses are operated by King County, the city will cover the cost. Since they hope to launch this by the end of the week, watch for details within the next few days.
Another major topic of discussion was the bicycle-detour route SDOT is suggesting, and the refinements they announced this afternoon, such as temporary protected bicycle lanes on sections of West Marginal Way SW and 1st Avenue South. Installation of the cones and other markers will start tomorrow, first on 1st, and may continue into Thursday if they can’t finish tomorrow. Meeting attendees brought up concerns about route conditions – one showed video of a harrowing attempt to navigate a rutted section near the 1st Avenue South Bridge; SDOT said they have engineers working on that section.
As for the repairs themselves, most of what was presented duplicated what was in this afternoon’s update, with an additional emphasis on long-planned work that’s also coming up, beyond the unexpected repairs:
Toward the start of the meeting, SDOT’s Meghan Shepard pointed out that the low bridge was, if not one of a kind, close to it, and that its cylinders all had to be replaced within a year of its 1991 opening – those replacements are what’s lasted the ensuing 30 years, until now,
(‘Live’ image from SDOT traffic camera)
More updates this afternoon from SDOT on the West Seattle low bridge, a week and a half after mechanical trouble closed it to drivers, riders, and pedestrians. Still no estimate, though, on how much longer the closure will last. First, key points from the repair-related update, followed by the detour-related update:
We have made significant progress on repairs, including replacing 500 feet of damaged underground high-voltage power cable. However, there is still a lot to do as we prepare for the mammoth task of removing a significantly damaged 15,000-pound hydraulic turning cylinder, one of the two cylinders responsible for turning the 14 million-pound eastern side of the moveable bridge. Last week we estimated that the bridge would be closed for a minimum of 2 weeks. We have made steady progress since then and will know more about the remaining timeline after we remove the cylinder.
Here’s what SDOT says went wrong:
1) A 15,000-pound hydraulic cylinder that moves the eastern side of the bridge is leaking fluid. We will need to remove and completely overhaul this cylinder as part of our repairs.
2) While we were addressing other electrical and mechanical issues last week, high tides and heavy rain flooded an underground power conduit causing an electrical short to over 500 feet of high-voltage power cables. (We completed repairing and replacing these power cables at 3 a.m. Saturday, December 31st).
The recent ice storm created a power outage to the bridge. After we restored power using the backup generator, we attempted to open the bridge and it was immediately apparent there was a problem. The eastern bridge span would only rotate a portion of the way and then stall, and we had to make several attempts to swing open the bridge. We soon discovered the cylinder had developed an intensified leak, and it could not safely operate in its current condition. …
We started preparations several months ago to overhaul all four hydraulic turning cylinders (including the damaged one) as part of our ongoing comprehensive bridge rehabilitation program. … The work we’ve already completed allowed us to jump into developing a response plan almost immediately after the damage occurred and will likely mean we’ll able to complete this rehabilitation faster than if we had started from scratch.
The cylinder will need to be temporarily removed and overhauled off-site. Over the past 10 days, we built and assembled some of the equipment necessary to move the massive cylinder. Once the cylinder is removed, we will re-engineer the bridge’s eastern span to temporarily operate on the single remaining turning cylinder. This work requires reprogramming the control system and testing it to
ensure the new configuration is reliable and safe. While the eastern bridge span is running with one cylinder, opening and closing the bridge for passing ships will take about 10 minutes longer than usual. Over the coming months, there will be additional bridge closures to reinstall the cylinder and to complete other projects in our comprehensive Spokane St Swing Bridge Rehabilitation Program. Occasional bridge closures were already planned for 2023 to complete proactive refurbishment and repair work planned this year.
As for the bicycle detour, SDOT says it’s taking these major steps:
This week, we are converting sections of W Marginal Way SW and 1st Ave S curb lanes to temporary protected bike lanes using cones, barrels, paint, and signs. The temporary bike lanes will remain until the Spokane St Swing Bridge reopens. We continue to procure traffic control devices and finalize the traffic control plan. We expect to complete the bike lane installation by the end of the day on Wednesday, Jan. 4. …
While the temporary bike lanes are in place, 1st Ave S will have one general-purpose traffic lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and one bike lane in each direction. As possible, existing on-street parking will remain but be restricted near driveways to help people biking and driving more easily see each other. In two instances at the north and south ends, people on bikes will have to use the sidewalk-see map above. You may wish to get off your bike and walk it through these areas with pedestrians.
We will also convert the southbound general-purpose travel lane at the northern segment of West Marginal Way SW to a temporary protected bike lane. We expect this to have a minimal impact on people driving, as this is not a through-lane.
We will check the detour twice daily to reset cones, barrels, or signs that may have shifted while the temporary bike lanes are in operation.
As noted in our daily preview, the detour will be discussed at tonight’s 6:30 pm online meeting of West Seattle Bike Connections.
ADDED 4:15 PM: SDOT also says it’s working toward “temporary free transit rides on the bus & West Seattle Water Taxi.”
ADDED 6:37 PM: We asked SDOT on followup how soon they expect to remove the cylinder, since they won’t have a full timeline until after that: “Our goal is to remove the cylinder within the next week. We are currently working to identify suppliers for all the parts and equipment necessary to move the massive cylinder and to reprogram the control system to operate with one cylinder.”
(‘Live’ image from SDOT traffic camera)
The West Seattle low bridge is now in its ninth day of closure to street and path traffic, with no estimate yet on when it will be repaired and reopened. We continue to ask SDOT for updates; here’s what spokesperson Ethan Bergerson tells WSB:
Crews have been in the bridge every day since the recent incident, and will continue to work on repairs over the weekend. We are actively repairing what we can now, as we also continue to work to understand the full scope and cause of the damage and to estimate the timeline to complete repairs. At 3 a.m. this morning, electricians completed repairs to a flooded underground power conduit, replacing 500 feet of damaged power lines. We are continuing to assemble the equipment necessary to overhaul the damaged hydraulic cylinder that lifts the moveable bridge.
These are some of the other repairs that we have been working on over the past week:
-Reprogramming electrical components and analyzing the machine programming
-Conducting comprehensive inspections on all hydraulic bridge components
-Building and assembling the equipment necessary to move the 15,000-pound cylinder
-Working with our contractors and suppliers to order necessary parts and equipment
We asked if Kraemer North America, which had the contract for previously planned low-bridge work as well as the high-bridge repairs, will have this work added onto their contract. Here’s Bergerson’s reply to that:
We already had planned to overhaul the broken hydraulic pump in 2023 as part of our comprehensive repair project. Several contractors are involved with different aspects of our comprehensive rehabilitation project. Kraemer was responsible for the already-completed structural strengthening work (carbon fiber wrapping and epoxy injections), not for the hydraulic cylinder rehabilitation. SDOT has blanket contracts for certain specialized services as needed, including a contract with GCC for hydraulic system work. We have been working with these companies for the past several months, which enabled us to begin working with them to create a response plan almost immediately after the problem occurred.
Last but not least, our latest round of questions included the concerns commenters raised about SDOT’s suggested bicycle detour, and why a shuttle hadn’t been quickly implemented as it was during the 2018 repair closure:
In addition to the bridge engineers and technical experts working to repair the Spokane St Swing bridge, we also have a team working to address further the impact the closure has on people who bike, walk and roll.
We are working on possible measures to make the bike detour route as intuitive and comfortable as possible. Because the bridge closure could last a minimum of two weeks, we have placed “no parking” signs along sections of First Ave S in case the space is needed to improve the bike detour route. Our approach is to move sequentially and intentionally while we balance a large number of demands. We’ll know more when the repair plan and schedule are available.
Our bike team consists of professional transportation planners with experience planning, designing, and building bike lanes throughout Seattle and are also bike riders. While the current route is not an all-ages and abilities, it is an acceptable short-term detour. We have spoken to representatives from bicycle advocacy groups and will continue to do so as part of our ongoing commitment to open communication and transparency during this time.
We have been actively looking into the feasibility of other ideas like the shuttle you mentioned and working with King County Metro to understand options to make transit and the water taxi an even easier choice for people.
Tomorrow will mark one week since mechanical trouble closed the West Seattle low bridge to road and path users. Tonight, some updates, starting with a map for the bicycle detour:
“This is a long detour,” SDOT acknowledges in this post about options for getting around while the low bridge is out of service, adding “We have been working this week to clear recent windstorm debris from the route, install detour route signs, and review the asphalt condition to see if spot improvements can be made to support riders.” Also of note, SDOT says, “Should the closure extend much beyond two weeks, we’ll consider other options for enhancing travel without a car.” (Back during an emergency low-bridge closure in 2018, a shuttle was implemented.)
So how long might the closure last? Still no estimate. SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson told WSB today, “Crews have been in the bridge every day since the recent incident, working to create a repair plan and timeline. We haven’t finished our analysis yet, but this is a high priority and we are working to fix the bridge as fast as we can.” SDOT also has published a recap of work that had already been done on the bridge, and what was planned – including this photo of work back in October:
Most of the low-bridge work was part of the same contract under which Kraemer North America repaired the high bridge. Looking into our archives, this July report projected that much of the low-bridge work was at the time expected to be done by year’s end.
Saturday, for New Year’s Eve, many transit services around the region will be fare-free, including the West Seattle Water Taxi. The annual announcement just arrived – here are the Seattle/King County highlights:
*King County Metro: Buses will operate on their regular Saturday schedule and be fare-free from 3 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, through 3 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1. Other Metro services operating fare-free include DART, Via to Transit, Ride Pingo to Transit, Community Van, and Access service. Please note Via to Transit will only operate until 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.
*King County Water Taxi: The water taxi will operate fare-free on Dec. 31 but will be out of service on Jan. 1. and Jan. 2.
*Sound Transit: Link light rail and Sound Transit Express buses are fare-free from 4 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, to 2 a.m. Sunday., Jan. 1. Sound Transit will operate extended Link light rail service on New Year’s Eve, with 15-minute, late-night service. The last southbound trip will leave Northgate Station at 1:58 a.m. The last northbound train will leave Angle Lake Station at 1:41 a.m. For more information go to the Sound Transit website.
*Seattle Streetcar: Both streetcar lines will operate Saturday service hours. The South Lake Union Streetcar will operate on New Year’s Eve until 12:30 a.m. to accommodate fireworks viewing downtown.
Note that the Water Taxi will run its regular Saturday schedule – no late-night sailings in fall/winter. And note that exceptions to the fare-free plan include the Seattle Monorail, which the announcement says “will collect regular fares and is scheduled to operate from Westlake to the Seattle Center until 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. After the evening’s events at Seattle Center, service to Westlake will run from 12:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.”
We’re adding this info to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, where we’re also building a list of local NYE/NYD events – not too late to add one – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(SDOT camera image, looking west from east end of low bridge)
SDOT is finally commenting on what’s wrong with the West Seattle low bridge (Spokane Street Swing Bridge), four days after it was closed. According to SDOT, the bridge won’t reopen for at least two weeks because crews need “to repair mechanical issues that intensified after a power outage during the ice storm on December 23.” They’re still working on a “repair plan and schedule.” Here’s their explanation of what’s wrong:
The problem initially appeared to be associated with a computer issue that occurred while the bridge was powering back up after a power outage. Once the computer issue was resolved, engineers found previously identified minor issues with the hydraulic system that moves the bridge had intensified.
SDOT completes regular inspections of the Low Bridge and had existing plans to repair these aging components in 2023. However, after the power outage, it was discovered that previously manageable small-scale issues had escalated into more severe problems. Until these components are fixed, the bridge cannot be reliably moved without risking more severe long-term damage.
SDOT engineers are working as quickly as possible to analyze repair options. While there is not yet an estimate for how long bridge repair will take, SDOT expects the closure to last for at least two weeks.
Based on the evaluation results, additional Low Bridge closures for repairs may be needed in 2023, along with closures associated with planned capital improvements to the bridge next year.
In the meantime, the low bridge is being kept open for maritime traffic, but closed to vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic. The bridge is 30 years old.
Metro says it’s going to change its service plan to the Emergency Snow Network on Friday. From the announcement just sent::
With ongoing freezing temperatures and a widespread freezing rainstorm forecast for the region, King County Executive Dow Constantine directed Metro to shift bus service to the Emergency Snow Network starting Friday, Dec. 23. The move focuses service on 65 core bus routes operating on snow routes that the City of Seattle and other jurisdictions prioritize for snow and ice removal. The Emergency Snow Network (ESN) will be effective at 4 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, until 4 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24.
This approach delivers transit service for the most riders and on streets and highways that are more reliably treated during adverse weather. Customers will be able to board service on 65 core bus routes and shuttles prioritizing higher ridership routes, avoiding steep hills and primarily serving key arterials and transit centers. The routes were developed in coordination and collaboration with jurisdictions, including the City of Seattle.
Metro will continue to operate all service on snow routes Thursday, Dec. 22, until switching to the ESN early Friday morning.
Routes operating as part of the ESN will serve core centers around King County, via RapidRide A, B, C, D, E and F lines, routes 3, 4 (between Seattle Center and Downtown Seattle only), 5, 7, 10, 21 (local service only), 24, 27 (snow shuttle only), 31, 32, 36, 40, 44, 45, 48, 60, 62, 65, 67, 70, 75, 90 (downtown Seattle/First Hill snow shuttle) 101, 105, 106 (between Renton Transit Center and Mount Baker Transit Center only), 120, 124, 128, 131, 132, 148, 150, 160, 161, 165, 168, 181, 184, 230, 231, 239, 245, 250, 255, 271 (between University of Washington and Eastgate only), 331, 345, 348, 372, 522, 545, 550, 554, 631 (if road conditions allow) 773/775 (if Water Taxi is running), 903, 906, 907 and 930.
Metro staff will be monitoring the performance of this network and making adjustments as needed to improve operations. Customers in outlying areas and neighborhoods should prepare for reduced or temporarily unavailable bus service due to inclement weather, difficult travel conditions and topography.
For the rest of today, Metro continues on snow routing, with cancellations/suspensions as announced.
(WSB photos)
Even before starting his job, SDOT‘s new director Greg Spotts (above left) invited people from neighborhoods around the city to ask him to visit for “listening tours” – and the Fauntleroy Community Association did just that. This morning, Spotts made good on his promise, despite the snow (he’d originally been booked to visit a few weeks ago, but even snowier weather forced a postponement). He and SDOT’s interim transportation-operations director Dusty Rasmussen spent more than an hour getting a firsthand look at some of Fauntleroy’s transportation challenges, which the FCA has long been nagging the city about. The tour started in the north Lincoln Park parking lot, where Spotts declared that he’s passionate about streets along parks, observing that this particular park entrance isn’t particularly welcoming to “non-vehicle arrivals.” FCA president Mike Dey talked about the ferry traffic that queues up in the afternoon and on weekends, and how some drivers flout the rules that are. supposed to keep the parking lane clear during peak hours. Others pull midblock U-turns and there was talk of whether a hardened center line might prevent that. Crossing Fauntleroy is a challenge at some spots along the park, too.
From the park, they headed southbound on Fauntleroy to the ferry dock, where the main challenge happens in bursts – getting 120 vehicles (the capacity of the ferries usually on the route) out at a time. A public-safety officer is there to direct traffic some of the time; there’s also been talk of a signal, though Dey noted that the FCA doesn’t support that. He also mentioned the planned terminal/dock replacement, and a quarter-century-old city resolution opposing expansion of the dock. Continuing south, next stop was the Endolyne business district.
There’s been some traffic calming here, after previous pushes by the FCA – more pedestrian features have been applied to the 45th/Wildwood intersection, and 45th has some speed humps. One remaining major point of concern – the hill to/from Marine View Drive and chronic downhill speeding. Spotts observed that it “looks like a ramp.”
After a stop at Wildwood Market for warm beverages, the group was planning to continue eastbound to the Fauntleroy Church/YMCA/Schoolhouse stretch of California SW – which can be perilous for pedestrians. We had to drop out before then, with another scheduled event to cover. We did hear Spotts make one commitment along the way – he promised to come back in January/February for a better look at some of the conditions Dey had mentioned.
P.S. If you’re in Fauntleroy and want to get involved with the FCA, they meet second Tuesdays at the schoolhouse (9131 California SW), 7 pm; you can watch via livestream, too – info’s at fauntleroy.net.
The new city budget raises the fee for Restricted Parking Zone permits by almost 50 percent. SDOT notes that one RPZ neighborhood in West Seattle might want to renew a bit early to save money:
Readers who live in the Fauntleroy neighborhood [should] know about an opportunity to save money on their Restricted Permit Zone (RPZ) permit renewal.
On January 1, 2023, the new citywide budget will take effect and the fee for a two-year RPZ permit will increase from $65 to $95. Fauntleroy (Zone 3) RPZ permits will expire on December 31, 2022. Anyone who lives in this zone and renews their permit (or requests a new permit) in 2022 will be charged the current fee ($65). After January 1, permit requests will be processed with the new fee ($95).
Discounted $10 permits will continue to be available for people who are income-eligible. People with disabled parking placards / license plates do not need to apply for a separate RPZ permit.
Permit renewals should be made through the Seattle Services Portal to ensure they are processed on-time before the fee increase takes effect. Any questions about permits can be sent to DOT_RPZRequests@seattle.gov.
RPZ permits do not guarantee a parking space – they just guarantee the right to park during restricted hours, if you find a space.
(Added image: Our inbox screen, filled with less than half-hour’s worth of Metro alerts since we published this story)
One week has passed since we first reported December 6th that Metro had taken 126 of its 1,500 buses out of service because of a steering “defect” discovered by drivers. (We reported the specific buses involved in this followup.) Metro was working with the manufacturer, New Flyer, to fix the defect. We asked Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer how many have been returned to service so far: “We returned 3 affected New Flyer coaches to service using 3 new steering columns that were delivered by bus manufacturer New Flyer. We’re working closely with New Flyer on replacement parts and don’t yet have a timeline available.” In the meantime, trip cancellations, and in some cases temporary route suspensions, continue; the north West Seattle routes such as 56 and 57 have been particularly hard-hit. We asked Switzer why those routes and not some others with low ridership, for example, the 22. Here’s his explanation:
Routes 56 and 57 operate out of Central Base, where bus availability is temporarily limited; route 22 operates from South Base, which has more available buses. Routes 56 and 57 do have higher ridership than Route 22, but the majority of Route 56 and 57 riders have reasonable service alternatives. Route 56 riders are served by Route 50 and Route 128 connections to the C Line, or Route 775 to the West Seattle Water Taxi. Route 57 riders are served by Route 128 and the C Line, but there is a service gap in the Genesee Hill area south of SW Admiral Way and west of California Avenue Southwest. According to our ridership data, that route segment serves an average of 6-7 weekday riders. Route 22 is a lower ridership route, but also has limited service alternatives. The route provides unique connections to Chief Sealth High School and Southwest Community Center, and serves an equity priority community.
Metro says it’s currently operating 96 percent of its schedule, up from 90% shortly after the problem was disclosed.
A reader asked about this, and then we noticed it ourselves: Almost three months after the West Seattle Bridge reopened, the travel-time display on SDOT‘s overhead message boards still shows times for getting to the 1st Avenue South Bridge. Last week we asked SDOT why. Spokesperson Mariam Ali looked into it and sent this reply tonight:
We recently moved the Travelers Web Map to a more modern server. During this process the routes shown on our dynamic message signs were frozen so as to not further complicate the move. This work is complete. We are presently evaluating all dynamic message signs to see where routes should be modified or added. We expect to roll out new routes on the West Seattle Dynamic Message Signs and other locations the end of Q1 2023, if not sooner.
You can see what’s showing on the message boards around the city by going to the aforementioned Travelers Map and clicking “map controls” on the left side of the screen, then choosing “Travel Times”; the dropdown for Southwest will show you the Fauntleroy and 35th boards’ message for the 1st Avenue South Bridge.
When SDOT announced nine days ago that more speed humps would be added to part of Harbor and Alki Avenues, the agency also said it would install a raised center divider in the area, to deter people from trying to pass on the curve. Driving the waterfront street today for the first time in a few days, we noticed the divider has been installed. As our photos show, they have a feature that other sections of raised center divider in West Seattle – sections of Fauntleroy and Delridge, for example – don’t have: Posts atop the divider.
As promised by SDOT, which described the location as “between California Place and Luna Park,” the divider has gaps to allow turning to/from driveways. The speed humps and dividers follow years of community complaints about reckless and stunt driving in the area.
SDOT finally has traffic cameras for Delridge Way. We noticed them appear on the SDOT Travelers’ Map recently, but at the time they were only partially functional – no default still image, only visible if you chose “video” from the map windows; they’ve since become fully functional. They’re at Genesee (above), Oregon (1st below), and Orchard (2nd below), and SDOT tells us four more are planned.
The next four, according to SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali, will be at “Delridge Way SW & SW Henderson St; Delridge Way SW & SW Holden Street; Delridge Way SW & SW Juneau St; and Delridge Way SW & SW Thistle Street.” She says they hope to have those cameras operational by early February.
Still no word on whether or when a few key cameras that have been down for months – such as Highland Park Way/Holden and the second camera atop the high bridge – will return. (We keep asking.)
(Beach Drive stretch of Alki Point ‘Healthy Street,’ photographed Saturday by Don Brubeck)
If you have something to say about the city’s “early design” proposals for the Alki Point “Healthy Street” – Beach Drive and Alki Avenue north of 63rd SW – the deadline is tomorrow (Friday) night. The city’s reminder summarizes: “We need your feedback on the design and project elements, including signs, landscaping, travel lanes, and traffic-calming tools like traffic circles and curb bulbs. While people can still drive on the Alki Point Healthy Street, the design has elements to discourage cut-through traffic and help keep the street safer for all users. This includes adding traffic circles, speed humps, bike lane markings, painted curb bulbs, vehicle turn-around areas, and crosswalk improvements. We’re also prioritizing ADA parking and loading zone areas for people kayaking, paddleboarding, and doing other water activities.” If you haven’t already seen the design proposals (WSB coverage here), go to this page. To comment by midnight tomorrow night, there’s an online form, or you can email AlkiKeepMovingStreet@seattle.gov or leave voicemail at 206-727-3565. The city announced in October that the “Healthy Street” status was permanent.
3:02 PM: In the wake of the removal of 126 buses from service – as first reported here last night – Metro has just announced it’s suspending some routes for the rest of today. They’re not all in West Seattle, but we’re publishing the full list in case others affect you off-peninsula: 9, 15, 17, 18, 29, 55, 56, 57, 64, 111, 114, 121, 125, 162, 177, 214, 301, 304 & 330. However, Metro adds this caveat, “Due to the fluid nature of the situation, a small number of trips may run on routes that are temporarily suspended.” Meantime, we’re still awaiting answers to some follow-up questions about the bus-removal situation.
4 PM UPDATE: Just got some answers, from Metro spokesperson Jeff Switzer. Regarding which buses specifically:
Out of 1,500 total buses, the New Flyer models affected include 39 of the Xcelsior 6200 articulated (60-ft) coaches in our fleet and 64 of the Xcelsior 8200 articulated (60-ft) coaches in our fleet. Those coaches have been temporarily pulled from service. We want to emphasize all of the coaches on the road have been inspected and confirmed safe. Additionally, there are a few other identified buses: two 3700 (35-ft) coaches, six 4300 trolleys, six 8000 articulated (60-ft) coaches, three 8100 articulated (60-ft) coaches and six 9600 articulated (60-ft) coaches.
Regarding how they’re deciding which trips to cancel/routes to suspend:
Per our usual practice, we’re prioritizing service on high-ridership trips, the first and last trips of the day, school trips and trips late at night. In some places peak commuter routes are being fully cancelled, and Metro is in process of developing information to provide on alternative routes for those customers.
Regarding how the repairs will be made:
This problem was only recently identified and we’re working closely with the manufacture to determine the best approach. The expectation is that some or all of the work will be done at our bases with the equipment supplied by New Flyer. There is no timeline yet for when the work will be completed.
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