Drivers faced tough challenges on Tuesday during viaduct closure
May 2, 2016, 5:19 AM | Updated: May 3, 2016, 9:34 pm
Seattle’s Alaskan Way Viaduct remains closed for about two weeks. While the first Monday of the commute was relatively trouble free with little traffic snarls, Tuesday’s morning and evening drives saw considerable accidents and slowdowns on surface streets, highways and freeways.
Stay up-to-date on traffic conditions throughout the area by listening to KIRO Radio and check our online traffic map before you head out the door.
6:36 p.m. UPDATE: Reports indicate this is a rolled-over car.
UPDATE: Crash on NB Aurora Ave N before N 145th St now blocking both NB lanes. Traffic getting through center turn lane. Expect delays.
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 4, 2016
6:20 p.m. UPDATE: Crash on northbound Aurora Avenue at 145th Street North blocking right lane.
6:13 p.m. UPDATE:
CLEARED: All lanes of NB I-5 mainline near Lake City Way have reopened following earlier rollover collision. pic.twitter.com/WkgBlaRUG3
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 4, 2016
6:08 p.m. UPDATE: Fremont Bridge and Ballard Bridge freeing up with less backups affecting nearby streets.
6:04 p.m. UPDATE: Collision blocking right lane of I-5 southbound near SR 520.
6 p.m. UPDATE: Left lane blocked on northbound I-5 at Lake City Way.
5:56 p.m. UPDATE:
On I-5 southbound at Denny Way there is a disabled vehicle partially blocking the right lane.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 4, 2016
5:51 p.m. UPDATE: Northbound I-5 somewhat improves — very slow through Seattle from King County Airport to 80th Street, but smooth driving elsewhere on the freeway.
5:42 p.m. UPDATE:
Transit Alert – Expect transit delays on northbound I-5 near NE 80 St https://t.co/EOUcgjqNX7
— King County Metro (@kcmetrobus) May 4, 2016
5:24 p.m. UPDATE:
Heads up! Collision on NB I-5 near Lake City Way blocking multiple lanes. Expect big delays and plan alt routes pic.twitter.com/vGQEUVTl4c
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 4, 2016
5:19 p.m. UPDATE: Eastbound I-90 across Lake Washington is now showing more significant backups starting in Seattle, and more through Mercer Island.
5:16 p.m. UPDATE: NE 45th Street and NE 50th Street backed up crossing I-5 in Wallingford and University District.
5:12 p.m. UPDATE: SR 99 from Green Lake north to Lynnwood intermittently backed up in both directions.
5:08 p.m. UPDATE: Montlake Boulevard and Pacific Street backed up through the University of Washington campus leading to SR 520.
5:05 p.m. UPDATE: Southbound I-5 backup now extending between downtown Seattle and Northgate.
5:02 p.m. UPDATE: Northbound I-5 backed up between Spring Street in downtown Seattle and the King County Airport.
4:58 p.m. UPDATE: Collision blocking right center lane on eastbound I-90 just east of Mercer Way on Mercer Island.
4:55 p.m. UPDATE: About a 15 minutes delay from Northgate to Olive Street on I-5 southbound into Seattle.
4:52 p.m. UPDATE:
Two right lanes blocked on NB 405 near the West Valley Highway pic.twitter.com/cMEJHOmQJF
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
4:42 p.m. UPDATE: 12th Avenue South backed up between Weller Street and Pike Street. Neighboring Broadway is backed up between Madison and East Mercer Street.
4:39 p.m. UPDATE: Pike Street backed up between I-5 and Capitol Hill.
4:34 p.m. UPDATE: Stalled bus on 6th Avenue at Madison Street is blocking the northbound right lane.
4:30 p.m. UPDATE: Downtown Seattle seeped in red. Avoid surface streets if you can.
4:26 p.m. UPDATE:
#TravelTimes
Bell to Everett: 60min
Bell to Renton: 39min
Lynn to SEA: 48min
SEA to Lynn: 30min
SEA to Bell: 12min
SEA to FedWy: 33min— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
4:15 p.m. UPDATE: Northbound, and eastbound, on SR 522 experiencing backups over the north end of Lake Washington between Bothell and Lake City in Seattle. Westbound is slow between Bothell and Kenmore.
4:10 p.m. UPDATE: Westbound backups are forming on the SR 520 floating bridge into Seattle.
4:06 p.m. UPDATE: Westbound I-90 has started to slow down — backups stretching from Bellevue, across Mercer Island, and into downtown Seattle.
4:02 p.m. UPDATE:
Travel Times:
Denny & Dexter to Lwr Q Anne: 5 min
35th Ave SW & SW Snoqualmie to I-5: 11 min
Airport Way & S Lucile to Boeing Field: 6 min— seattledot (@seattledot) May 3, 2016
3:53 p.m. UPDATE:
EB West Seattle Bridge getting really slow. #99closure https://t.co/83uY6LAcUN pic.twitter.com/10ITYqKzam
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 3, 2016
3:40 p.m. UPDATES: I-5 express lanes between 45th Street and Lake City Way in Seattle are solid red on the traffic map. Expect backups. Express lanes are currently flowing northbound. Seattle’s express lanes have a special schedule during the viaduct closure.
3:35 p.m. UPDATE: The Seattle Bike Blog reports that on Monday, bike traffic on the West Seattle Bridge spiked by 80 percent — likely folks trying to avoid bad traffic during the viaduct closure. That amounts to 2,525 bicycle trips that day. The old record was 1,847.
3:30 p.m. UPDATE: 2nd Avenue is the slowest in the downtown Seattle area. Also, 5th and 4th Avenues are not looking good either.
3:24 p.m. UPDATE:
#TravelTimes
Bell to Everett: 44min
Bell to Renton: 35min
Lynn to SEA: 42min
SEA to Lynn: 21min
SEA to Bell: 12min
SEA to FedWy: 29min— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
3:20 p.m. UPDATE: Disabled car on southbound I-5 at Mercer Street moved to the side of the freeway.
3:13 p.m. UPDATE: Northbound I-5 slow between University District and Martha Lake.
3:07 p.m. UPDATE: Eastbound Mercer Street backups now extending from I-5 to Lower Queen Anne. Disabled vehicle blocking center lane of southbound I-5 at Mercer Street.
3:05 p.m. UPDATE: Ballard Bridge backing up in both directions on 15th Avenue.
3 p.m. UPDATE:
On I-5 southbound at Mercer St there is a disabled vehicle blocking the center lane.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
2:56 p.m. UPDATE: I-405 backing up between Bellevue and Renton in both directions — the alternative freeway to avoid I-5 through Seattle.
2:54: p.m. UPDATE: Edgar Martinez Drive backed up, feeding onto I-5, and 4th Avenue South.
2:52 p.m. UPDATE: Southbound Alaskan Way underneath the viaduct is solid red on the traffic map, bleeding onto Yesler Way and 1st Avenue South.
2:50 p.m. UPDATE: Disabled vehicle blocking left lane on I-5 southbound onramp from SR 520.
2:48 p.m. UPDATE:
Volumes building on SB I-5, EB West Seattle Bridge, South Lake Union & 1st Ave S. pic.twitter.com/h3wx3JmQco
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 3, 2016
2:46 p.m. UPDATE: Backups starting to surround the Fremont Bridge, especially southbound — affecting North 34th Street, North 36th Street, Westlake Avenue, Nickerson Street and Florentia Street.
2:42 p.m. UPDATE: Backup on southbound I-5 into downtown Seattle is now extending to Northgate.
2:37 p.m. UPDATE: Both directions of 23rd Avenue between Madison and I-90 are intermittently backing up. That is intersecting with backups on Jackson Street.
2:32 p.m. UPDATE: Eastbound I-90 at 8th Avenue is starting to stack up.
2:21 UPDATE Traffic building on northbound I-405. KIRO Radio traffic reporter Chris Sullivan’s theory is people are using I-405 versus I-5.
Are people ditching NB I-5 for NB I-405? #99closure pic.twitter.com/8Vd7glYtF8
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 3, 2016
2:15 UPDATE: Eastbound on West Seattle Bridge stacking up between East Marginal Way and I-5.
2:13 UPDATE: Lots of red on the traffic map for both Roosevelt and Montlake.
2:10 UPDATE: Both directions of Denny and Mercer starting to get busy.
2:03 UPDATE: Traffic backed up on SB I-5 from 80th to Convention Center in downtown Seattle.
Tuesday morning updates:
9:25 UPDATE: Traffic continues to clear along major routes around Seattle.
Traffic from West Seattle clearing. No backups on Fauntleroy #viadoom https://t.co/A6kPIZiLER pic.twitter.com/aMA85leIRs
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 3, 2016
9:15 UPDATE: Stuck in traffic this week because of the viaduct closure? Try and make the best of it.
@KateClarkTweets Great #99closure distraction plan. Thanks for your patience and for knowing before you head out.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
9:05 UPDATE: Surface streets into downtown still seeing some heavy traffic.
This section of 1st Ave S has been jammed up all morning #99closure pic.twitter.com/MPJwpJw9gw
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 3, 2016
8:55 UPDATE: Northbound I-5 remains backed up well before downtown Seattle exits.
Still seeing plenty of backup south of Albro Place #viadoom pic.twitter.com/VHUhgeVx3I
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 3, 2016
8:50 UPDATE: Traffic clearing in some areas.
Traffic on W Seattle Br and on NB 4th Ave S is now light to moderate. Delays remain on I-5, NB 1st Ave S. pic.twitter.com/8bDJ99VUHF
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 3, 2016
8:45 UPDATE: The car that hit and killed a 50-year-old man at Taylor and Denny in Seattle was exiting an apartment building, KIRO 7 reports.
CONFIRMED: 50 year old man hit and killed by car as it was exiting apt parking garage at Taylor and Denny in Seattle pic.twitter.com/zgCwODRRQi
— John R. Knicely (@KnicelyKIRO7) May 3, 2016
8:40 UPDATE: KIRO 7 reports the person hit and killed by a vehicle in Seattle was a 50-year-old man. He was declared dead at the scene near Taylor Avenue and Denny Way.
King County medical examiner on scene of fatal car vs ped in #Seattle. @SeattleFire confirms 50y/o man is deceased pic.twitter.com/6OOP3U3fWr
— KIRO 7 Jussero (@JJusseroKIRO7) May 3, 2016
8:35 UPDATE: State DOT warning drivers to head out early. Federal Way to Bellevue is taking 83 minutes!
You'll want to leave early if you're headed north towards Bellevue. Fed Way to Bellevue is taking 83 mins pic.twitter.com/MDjwEUyKrf
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
8:30 UPDATE: Volumes beginning to build on 4th Avenue South. Delays remain on West Seattle Bridge.
Delays on I-5, EB W Seattle Br, NB 1st Ave S. Volumes building on NB 4th Ave S. Airport Way S is light to moderate pic.twitter.com/jt6HWwct8m
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 3, 2016
8:25 UPDATE: Expect delays into Seattle, even if you take the bus.
Metro’s Tuesday AM Commute: Expect transit service delays northbound on 4 Av S between S Spokane St and S… https://t.co/N62p0X9rkQ
— King County Metro (@kcmetrobus) May 3, 2016
8:20 UPDATE: Drivers on northbound I-5 still having a tough commute into Seattle.
Still seeing delays on I-5 hours after rollover crash #ViaductClosure https://t.co/A6kPIZiLER pic.twitter.com/u3BfGPOucT
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 3, 2016
8:15 UPDATE: Crash on southbound I-5 at Ravenna cleared … again.
And we're all clear on SB I-5 at Ravenna again.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
8:10 UPDATE: An earlier crash near Ravenna is still blocking the right lane of southbound I-5, making the Tuesday commute a little more frustrating for those drivers coming from the north into Seattle.
Earlier collision on SB I-5 at Ravenna is back to blocking the right lane. pic.twitter.com/PN3B475RIm
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
8:05 UPDATE: A rollover crash on northbound I-5 near Albro Place and Boeing Field cleared hours ago but drivers are still dealing with the aftermath of it. KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan says drivers trying to avoid SR 99 due to the viaduct closure ended up getting caught in the extensive backups.
8 UPDATE: King County Metro continuing to experience delays thanks to the viaduct closure.
Metro’s Tuesday AM Commute: Transit service delays continue with heavy traffic on major roadways; Visit Metro… https://t.co/94QWXYWAGJ
— King County Metro (@kcmetrobus) May 3, 2016
7:55 UPDATE: I-405 drive from Tukwila to Bellevue is up to an hour, KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports.
7:50 UPDATE: Surface streets continue to be jammed up in some areas of Seattle.
This is what the intersection of 1st Ave S and Holgate St has looked like most of the morning #ViaductClosure pic.twitter.com/qYlsAk10kd
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 3, 2016
7:45 UPDATE: Seattle DOT reporting traffic is relatively light on 4th Avenue South and Airport Way South. Drivers stuck on I-5 may want to consider alternate routes.
Congestion on I-5, EB W Seattle Br, & NB 1st Ave S. 4th Ave S & Airport Way S are light to moderate to points north pic.twitter.com/ksGzsQCtnR
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 3, 2016
7:40 UPDATE: Seattle PD confirmed the car versus pedestrian near Taylor Avenue is a fatality.
Officers investigating fatality collision at Minor/Taylor Ave North. More information as it becomes available.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) May 3, 2016
7:35 UPDATE: KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports drivers are underutilizing SR 99. It’s still possible to get to Western despite the closure.
99 SB still looks great from Lynnwood to Battery St Tunnel. You can still get all the way to Western.
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 3, 2016
7:30 UPDATE: A crash on SB I-5 just before Ravenna Boulevard is partially blocking the right lane. Expect delays.
Collision on southbound I-5 just before Ravenna Blvd is partially blocking the right lane. pic.twitter.com/h5TDPhgSwc
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
7:25 UPDATE: SR 167 northbound is “just hammered,” KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports. West Valley Highway also slammed, he says. Sullivan suggests drivers make their way over to MLK Way if they can. Airport Way is “no good,” nor are 1st and 4th avenues. The West Seattle Bridge continues to be backed up.
7:20 UPDATE: Taylor Avenue North open for now. Subject to closure due to car versus pedestrian crash.
UPDATE: Collision:Taylor Ave N is open but is subject to closure between Denny Way & John St. Consider alternate routes
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 3, 2016
7:15 a.m. UPDATE: Car versus pedestrian is potentially fatal, KIRO 7 reports.
.#BREAKING Car versus ped 100 Taylor Ave. N. #Seattle. Appears to be fatal pic.twitter.com/Tgb3yCNRId
— KIRO 7 Jussero (@JJusseroKIRO7) May 3, 2016
7:10 a.m. UPDATE: A car versus pedestrian is going to cause delays on Denny Way at Taylor Avenue.
Car vs ped, expect delays. https://t.co/6qZDWTM9wp
— Alexis Smith (@AlexisKIRO7) May 3, 2016
7:05 a.m. UPDATE: Current travel times include Federal Way to Seattle at a whopping 65 minutes. Everett to Seattle 54 minutes.
#TravelTimes
Federal Way-Seattle =65mins
SeaTac-Seattle =44mins
Auburn-Renton =45mins
HOT lanes =24mins
Renton-Belleuve =45mins
HOV =20mins— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
#TravelTimes
Everett-Seattle =54mins
HOV =41mins
Lynnwood-Seattle =33mins
Everett-Bellevue =47mins
Lynnwood-Bellevue =32mins
405ETL =19mins— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
7 a.m. UPDATE: KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports drivers are “hosed” on NB SR 167 and NB I-405 after the earlier crash on NB I-5 near Boeing Field and Albro Place.
6:55 a.m. UPDATE: Possible Crash on Taylor Avenue, north of Denny Way, could cause possible delays on Seattle surface streets. (Update on rollover near Boeing Field: Two vehicles involved. Non-injury)
6:50 a.m. UPDATE: King County Metro warning of delays eastbound across West Seattle Bridge and northbound on 1st Avenue South.
6:45 a.m. UPDATE: SB I-405 is seeing relatively normal drive times.
No major slowdowns on SB 405 through Bothell, #405ETL up to $7.25. pic.twitter.com/js7W0wyGLi
— Alexis Smith (@AlexisKIRO7) May 3, 2016
6:40 a.m. UPDATE: Drivers avoiding SR 99 closure and earlier rollover on NB I-5 are encountering a seven-mile backup between Tukwila and New Castle on I-405. SR 167 seeing 20-minute delays; 40 minutes to drive from Auburn to Renton. Eastbound West Seattle traffic seeing three-mile backup across bridge.
6:35 a.m. UPDATE: KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports there is still a “solid backup” on NB I-5 heading toward Boeing Field.
6:30 a.m. UPDATE: Crash on NB I-5 on-ramp from Interurban. HOV lane blocked.
Wreck on NB I-5 at Interurban is now blocking HOV lane on the on-ramp. pic.twitter.com/ryu5F2wqnM
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
6:25 a.m. UPDATE: The rollover crash near Albro Place on NB I-5 near Boeing Field cleared. KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports a six-mile backup.
IRT has left the scene. All lanes of NB I-5 near Michigan are open again after earlier wreck. pic.twitter.com/Rbzq8I2rzH
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
6:20 a.m. UPDATE: Sound Transit reporting delays due to the congestion on I-5.
6:15 a.m. UPDATE: A tow truck on scene to remove the vehicle that rolled over on NB I-5 near Boeing Field was forced to block another lane of traffic.
2 lanes now blocked as tow truck works to remove Camry–involved in rollover–from I-5 northbound. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/qhrEXKy1j6
— Nick McGurk (@NickKIRO7) May 3, 2016
6:10 a.m. UPDATE: Seattle DOT reporting delays on SR 509.
Seeing delays on I-5 NB south of Seattle and on NB 509. Traffic light to moderate on other major routes. #99closure pic.twitter.com/p2kDCwx3Pv
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 3, 2016
6:05 a.m. UPDATE: The drive from Federal Way to Seattle is at least an hour due to the rollover crash near Albro Place, KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports.
6 a.m. UPDATE: No other major blocking incidents on the roads being reported. King County Metro warning of service delays for routes on NB I-5.
Metro’s Tuesday AM Commute: Expect possible transit service delays on commuter routes traveling northbound on I-5… https://t.co/3kbHtLK63N
— King County Metro (@kcmetrobus) May 3, 2016
5:55 a.m. UPDATE: Rollover at Albro Place now blocking one lane. Tow trucks en route. Significant backups.
NB I-5 north of Boeing Field now open to three lanes of traffic. Earlier rollover now only blocking right lane. pic.twitter.com/oFitmpfP1J
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
5:50 a.m. UPDATE: Vehicle involved in rollover cleared from NB I-5, but traffic is jammed near Boeing Field. Backups of at least five miles.
Car cleared from the highway, but traffic is still jammed on NB I-5 near Boeing Field. Backups are at 5+ miles pic.twitter.com/J3aZ47Wo1R
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
5:45 a.m. UPDATE: Some emergency vehicles have cleared from rollover scene near Albro. Backups already four miles on NB I-5. Drivers should head east or over to SR 99 and then to surface streets.
5:40 a.m. UPDATE: Stop-and-go traffic on NB I-5 south of Albro due to rollover. Delay of about 10 minutes.
5:35 a.m. UPDATE: With only the HOV lane open on NB I-5 near Boeing Field, KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan suggests drivers “AVOID. AVOID. AVOID,” and get to I-405.
Carpool, use metro, take an alt route if you're headed NB on I-5. Collision at Boeing Fields causing 3+ mile back up pic.twitter.com/m7Azn4FIH0
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
5:30 a.m. UPDATE: Serious rollover crash blocking four right lanes of NB I-5 near Albro.
Headed to Bellevue or Everett this morning? Take I-405. Major collision on NB I-5 has ALL lanes blocked at Michigan except HOV lane.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
Only HOV lane open now after nasty crash mid Boeing Field I5 NB. AVOID. AVOID. AVOID. GET TO 405.
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 3, 2016
More emergency crews have arrived- 3 right lanes now blocked NB I-5 before Albro. Serious rollover crash! pic.twitter.com/9qpY4e4gaD
— Alexis Smith (@AlexisKIRO7) May 3, 2016
6:58 p.m. UPDATE: Floating SR 520 bridge is moving smoothly.
6:55 p.m. UPDATE: Southbound I-5 delays now extending between University District and Spring Street in downtown Seattle.
6:03 p.m. UPDATE:
On I-5 southbound just south of Roanoke St there is a disabled vehicle blocking the center lane.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
5:58 p.m. UPDATE:
#TravelTimes
Bell to Everett: 85min
Bell to Renton: 36min
Lynn to SEA: 30min
SEA to Lynn: 21min
SEA to Bell: 14min
SEA to FedWy: 23min— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 3, 2016
5:56 p.m. UPDATE:
UPDATE: Hearing that the SB lanes on 4th Ave S at S Lucile St are currently blocked until vehicles have been towed. Use caution.
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 3, 2016
5:24 p.m. UPDATE: Commuters lining up to ride King County Metro transit.
We love it when a plan comes together. https://t.co/sRrNg1DIkS
— Sound Transit (@SoundTransit) May 3, 2016
5:14 p.m. UPDATE: Snohomish-area transit also noting effects of the viaduct closure.
Dispatch reports delays of up to 90 minutes due to heavy traffic on I-5 NB and SB and 405 NB. #99closure
— Community Transit (@MyCommTrans) May 3, 2016
5:05 p.m. UPDATE:
Substantial delays due to heavy traffic on I-5 and I-405 https://t.co/TvI7Vj0vU7
— Sound Transit (@SoundTransit) May 3, 2016
4:58 p.m. UPDATE:
On I-5 northbound just north of Broadway there is a disabled vehicle blocking the center lane.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2016
4:53 p.m. UPDATE: Northbound Bothell Way / Lake City Way over the north end of Lake Washington is slowing down. Southbound is intermittently slow into Seattle.
4:49 p.m. UPDATE: Traffic now slowed down across the entire westbound I-90 floating bridge across Lake Washington.
4:45 p.m. UPDATE: Traffic on southbound I-5 a little bit better — slow down begins at around Northgate.
4:25 p.m. UPDATE: Transit riders expressing frustration over #99closure.
Riding the C Line through its #99closure detour. It's very slow and the new stops are poorly marked.
— SounderBruce (@SounderBruce) May 2, 2016
ISO: rapid ride C bus, southbound. #strandedon3rd #99closure
— Anne Heavey (@annemluce) May 2, 2016
I really wish there was a way to know which @kcmetrobus drivers are stopping at 4th and Lander and who thinks it's optional #99closure
— Colleen Harris (@cdawg2610) May 2, 2016
30 minutes ago, I boarded a C Line at 3rd & Pike. Right now at Lander & 1st. #99closure
— SounderBruce (@SounderBruce) May 2, 2016
4:18 p.m. UPDATE: Southbound traffic on Montlake Boulevard, and Pacific Street, through the University District is extremely slow.
4:16 p.m. UPDATE: Westbound traffic starting to turn red on the map for Highway 520 floating bridge. Traffic is slowing down.
4:09 p.m. UPDATE: Collision blocking left lane on ramp from southbond I-5 to I-90.
Update 3:59 PM : On the I-5 southbound collector-distributor off-ramp to I-90 there is a collision blocking the left lane.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2016
4:06 p.m. UPDATE: Southbound I-5 traffic into Seattle now backed up past I-405 connection at the north end.
4 p.m. UPDATE: Traffic into downtown on I-5 at Eastlake.
3:53 p.m. UPDATE:
During the viaduct closure, more people are turning to alt forms of transportation such as bicycles #BikeToWorkMonth pic.twitter.com/2wB81DdTwH
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
3:44 p.m. UPDATE: KIRO Radio traffic reporter says that there is about a 5 minute backup eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge toward I-5 which is unusual for this time of day.
3:39 p.m. UPDATE: Southbound I-5 backup into downtown Seattle, now extending up to Mountlake Terrace.
3:35 p.m. UPDATE: Northbound I-5 into Seattle slowing down from King County International Airport.
3:34 p.m. UPDATE:
A stall on the WB West Seattle Bridge is blocking the right lane after SR 99. Use caution. pic.twitter.com/0wD7tCEVLS
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
3:31 p.m. UPDATE: Westbound I-90 floating bridge is starting to see some red — traffic slowing around Mercer Island heading into Seattle.
3:25 p.m. UPDATE: KIRO Radio traffic reporter notes that people seem to be leaving work a little early to try to beat the traffic into West Seattle.
3:23 p.m. UPDATE:
Cleared 3:20 PM : On the I-5 southbound on-ramp from SR 520 Westbound there is a disabled vehicle partially blocking the ramp.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2016
3:16 p.m. UPDATE: Meanwhile, the viaduct looks like this.
3:07 p.m. UPDATE: Backup on southbound I-5 now extending past Northgate. About a 15 minute delay from Northgate down to Union Street in downtown Seattle.
3:04 p.m. UPDATE: A lot of red bleeding into the traffic map. Traffic slowing on 23rd Avenue East.
2:58 p.m. UPDATE: Backups on Mercer Street, and onto Westlake Avenue heading toward I-5 entrances.
2:48 p.m. UPDATE: Congestion thickens on southbound I-5 from Northgate into downtown Seattle. Traffic is getting slower.
2:36 p.m. UPDATE:
CLEARED: Right lane currently blocked on SB I-5 near the West Seattle Bridge pic.twitter.com/bQ8BDMLFbE
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2016
2:26 p.m. UPDATE:
Right lane currently blocked on SB I-5 near the West Seattle Bridge pic.twitter.com/xKbisEIAZe
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2016
2:25 p.m. UPDATE: Traffic slow, backing up on southbound I-5 from NE 92nd Avenue into downtown Seattle.
2:20 p.m. UPDATE:
Early congestion on NB 5 in Marysville. Plan ahead for delays to increase during the commute, potentially to Everett pic.twitter.com/megjKgCiAj
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2016
2 p.m. UPDATE: Delays have begun on Southbound I-5 as it enters Seattle.
10:15 a.m. UPDATE: WSDOT reports times are improving, but they are still above average from the south end.
Things are getting better but still above avg #TravelTimes from south end.
SeaTac-Seattle=32mins
HOV=20mins pic.twitter.com/suMm9FFXw0— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2016
9:50 a.m. UPDATE: Surface streets in SODO remain backed up as commuters make their way into the city.
Surface streets in SODO still seeing heavy traffic hours after commute began pic.twitter.com/bItf1Wh7hu
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
9:35 a.m. UPDATE: Drive times from Everett to Seattle is 40 minutes; Issaquah to Seattle 25 minutes; Federal Way to Bellevue or Seattle is 50 minutes.
9:30 a.m. UPDATE: Thinning out on the main lines, but collision in Woodinville is blocking the left lane of WB 522 at Washington 202.
9:25 a.m. UPDATE: Southbound I-5 slow heading into Seattle.
Still seeing heavy traffic into Seattle via NB I-5 #99closure pic.twitter.com/tio6DoDb49
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
9:20 a.m. UPDATE: Northbound I-5 into Seattle still slow.
NB I-5 into Seattle remains slow #99closure pic.twitter.com/hUY5ygoG7L
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
9:15 a.m. UPDATE: A crash on Aurora Avenue North at North 40th Street is causing drivers some frustration.
Collision on Aurora Ave N at N 40th St blocking SB right lane. Use caution. pic.twitter.com/NQN14s2UCL
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
9:10 a.m. UPDATE: Minor crashes on surface roads may contribute to added delays for morning commutes.
Hearing about a collision on E Madison St at 26th Ave E. Use caution and expect delays.
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
9:05 a.m. UPDATE: King County Metro says service delays on major routes should begin to subside soon.
9 a.m. UPDATE: Southbound I-5 congested from about Green Lake now.
8:55 a.m. UPDATE: The West Seattle Bridge is clearing.
West Seattle Bridge mid-span quickly clearing #viaductclosure pic.twitter.com/FrzP4DKpTN
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
8:50 a.m. UPDATE: Congestion remains on 1st Avenue South and I-5. Seattle DOT reporting light to moderate traffic on West Seattle Bridge and 4th Avenue South.
Congestion on I-5 and 1st Ave S. W Seattle Bridge & 4th Ave S are now light to moderate. https://t.co/SbgiZizMvL pic.twitter.com/W8VM6wrl6N
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
8:45 a.m. UPDATE: KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports some “unusual slowing” SR 167 and northbound I-405. Drive times from Auburn to Renton are about 30 Minutes. Renton to Bellevue is about 35 minutes. Everett to Bellevue is 45 minutes
8:40 a.m. UPDATE: Traffic north of Seattle starting to clear up.
Traffic north of Seattle is clearing. Roads around Seattle still congested #ViaductClosure pic.twitter.com/xdIQvIgUdh
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
8:35 a.m. UPDATE: Southbound SR 99 remains the best option into Seattle, KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports.
8:30 a.m. UPDATE: Drivers on I-90 feeling the impacts of the viaduct closure.
I-90 commute turns to a crawl as drivers reach Seattle in WB lanes #viadoom pic.twitter.com/gl4VO3UwyX
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
8:25 a.m. UPDATE: Renton to Seattle remains 50 minutes. Lynnwood to Seattle 35 minutes.
If you’re just heading out the door #TravelTimes
Lynnwood
to Seattle=35mins
to Bellevue=35mins
Renton
to Seattle=50mins
to Bellevue=47mins— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2016
8:20 a.m. UPDATE: Commute times beginning to come down, KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan says. Everett to Seattle around 50 minutes.
8:15 a.m. UPDATE: Southbound I-5 traffic into Seattle remains slow.
Traffic near Roanoke Street remains heavy #99closure pic.twitter.com/85cRwuSDUN
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
8:10 a.m. UPDATE: KIRO Radio’s Jillian Raftery reports seeing many people using transit this morning. Alternate routes/methods are working, she says.
8:05 a.m. UPDATE: Traffic on surface streets remains congested in some areas, including Rainier Avenue and MLK Way.
Seattle surface streets seeing heavy congestion in some areas due to #99closure #viadoom #ViaductClosure pic.twitter.com/jvB7W2fTfr
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
8 a.m. UPDATE: King County Metro warning of possible delays for transit service on I-5 commuter routes.
7:55 a.m. UPDATE: “If you were at a horse track, I’d take 4th Ave S to points north.”
If you were at the horse track, I’d take 4th Ave S to points north. He’s your best bet! pic.twitter.com/SJXgaRRwBK
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
7:50 a.m. UPDATE: Driver reported making it from Greenwood to West Seattle in 21 minutes via SB 99 through Battery Street Tunnel.
Don’t forget 99 SB open through Battery St Tunnel. @KIRORadio driver made it Greenwood to W.Seattle in 21 minutes using it.
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 2, 2016
7:45 a.m. UPDATE: Everett to Seattle reaching an hour.
7:40 a.m. UPDATE: Traffic remains heavy on West Seattle Bridge. King County Metro reports high ridership for water taxi from West Seattle to downtown Seattle.
7:35 a.m. UPDATE: There are more brake lights than usual on MLK Way into Seattle, KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan reports.
Seeing more brake lights on MLK Way this morning due to #99closure #ViaductClosure pic.twitter.com/9WH1lfAcXU
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
7:30 a.m. UPDATE: Everett to Seattle is 51 minutes, 49 minutes in the HOV lanes.
7:30 a.m. UPDATE: Lynnwood to Seattle running at 39 minutes, slightly above average.
7:25 a.m. UPDATE: Airport Way beginning to slow down due to viaduct closure. Commutes on many roads into Seattle seeing well above average times.
7:20 a.m. UPDATE: Many drivers avoiding Alaskan Way altogether. I-5, I-405, and SR 167 being used as alternatives.
Most people avoiding Alaskan Way Viaduct by using I5, 405 and even 167. All those drives +15-20.
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 2, 2016
7:15 a.m. UPDATE: Heavy congestion being reported on northbound I-5, West Seattle Bridge, 1st Avenue South.
7:10 a.m. UPDATE: Commute on northbound I-5 into downtown Seattle now 20 minutes above average.
7:05 a.m. UPDATE: King County Metro warning of possible service delays on commuter routes northbound on I-5 (Federal Way to Seattle) and on I-405 from Renton to Bellevue.
Metro’s Monday AM Commute: Expect possible transit service delays on commuter routes northbound on I-5 Federal Way… https://t.co/4M8QcJlulS
— King County Metro (@kcmetrobus) May 2, 2016
7 a.m. UPDATE: Glare from the sun could cause slowdowns in some areas.
#99closure has the commute heavier than usual this morning but watch for ☀️ glare – get ? pic.twitter.com/MxLjWidnE5
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 2, 2016
6:55 a.m. UPDATE: Heavy backups already being seen on the Ship Canal Bridge.
Southbound I-5 seeing backups near 45th Street exit pic.twitter.com/Qjx11c432o
— KIRO Radio 97.3 FM (@KIRORadio) May 2, 2016
6:50 a.m. UPDATE: Some commuters reporting public transportation is more full than usual.
6:45 a.m. UPDATE: Traffic starting to build on Seattle’s surface streets.
Volumes building on 1st Ave S NB. https://t.co/SbgiZizMvL pic.twitter.com/JtXicKu4I4
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
6:40 a.m. UPDATE: KIRO Radio’s Jillian Raftery reporting it takes about 10 minutes to merge from I-90 to I-5.
6:35 a.m. UPDATE: West Seattle Bridge “already jammed.”
West Seattle Bridge already jammed because of #99closure
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 2, 2016
6:30 a.m. UPDATE: A disabled vehicle blocking the left lane of northbound I-5 near Federal Way is going to add to the growing traffic backups.
6:25 a.m. UPDATE: KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan says traffic is ‘an hour earlier than usual.”
6:20 a.m. UPDATE: Seattle DOT reports traffic is already building eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge.
Volumes are building on EB W Seattle Bridge. #99closure Sun glare also a factor https://t.co/SbgiZizMvL pic.twitter.com/nOQJwohDET
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
6:15 a.m. UPDATE: Commute from Boeing Field into Seattle is already 10 minutes longer than normal.
Already +10 on drive from Boeing Field into downtown Seattle.
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 2, 2016
6:10 a.m. UPDATE: Federal Way to Seattle already 44 minutes.
6:05 a.m. UPDATE: Drivers using southbound Battery Street Tunnel must exit at Western.
6 a.m. UPDATE: Seattle DOT reports most major routes are light to moderate right now.
Volumes are beginning to build on I-5 NB. Other major routes are light to moderate at the moment. pic.twitter.com/dvEoBSemiz
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
5:55 a.m. UPDATE:Drivers on northbound I-5 seeing backups near West Seattle Bridge.
Traffic south of West Seattle Bridge quickly filling in #99closure pic.twitter.com/mDBIelWTFp
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
5:50 a.m. UPDATE:Traffic backing up on northbound I-5 earlier than usual, according to WSDOT.
Traffic is starting to back up on northbound I-5 a tad earlier than what’s typical for a Monday #99closure pic.twitter.com/C54NDZB4Cd
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 2, 2016
5:45 a.m. UPDATE:There are 12 incident response teams standing by to clear crashes quickly and get traffic moving again.
5:40 a.m. UPDATE: KIRO Radio’s Jillian Raftery reports the state is expecting bad traffic, but officials are unsure exactly how things will shake out.
5:35 a.m. UPDATE: Traffic through Seattle (near Yesler Way) on northbound I-5 starting to backup.
Traffic on NB I-5 near Yeslery Way exit starting to backup #ViaductClosure #99closure pic.twitter.com/nx18gss3fn
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
5:30 a.m. UPDATE: Earlier crash on northbound I-5 near Kent causing delays as more drivers hit the road for the Monday commute.
5:25 a.m. UPDATE: I-5 already beginning to see heavier traffic than usual.
Already seeing roads filling up this morning #ViaductClosure #99closure pic.twitter.com/4zmHKPSU2O
— MyNorthwest.com (@Mynorthwest) May 2, 2016
5:15 a.m. UPDATE: Seattle DOT reporting light traffic through the city.
Traffic is light at the moment, but please plan ahead and know before you go. SR 99 closure: https://t.co/SbgiZizMvL pic.twitter.com/aoYsfdwPVJ
— seattledot (@seattledot) May 2, 2016
5:10 a.m. UPDATE: Traffic light right now. Plan on heavy traffic, KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan says.
Plan on heavy traffic this am #99closure #viadoom #clusterduct – listen to @NEWSGUYSULLY for changes and alt routes.
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 2, 2016