Update: Low-bridge bulletins will continue a few more weeks

FIRST REPORT, 3:28 PM: If you have used Twitter or Metro text messaging to keep track of when the West Seattle “low bridge” is open for marine traffic and therefore closed to land traffic, heads up: Starting tomorrow, you won’t get those messages any more. SDOT and Metro had been sending them, but say they won’t be needed when the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct‘s new 1st Avenue South ramp opens first thing Friday morning.

5:39 PM UPDATE: SDOT now says its Twitter updates won’t end immediately:

@westseattleblog @wade_68 Update: SDOT will keep tweeting Spokane St swing bridge status til end of widening project (late Sept) @kcmetrobus

— seattledot (@seattledot) August 30, 2012

Bill at Duwamish Head August 30, 2012 (3:43 pm)

Can someone please explain the East Marginal Way Grade Separation to me? I occasionally find myself driving north on E Marginal Way, then turning left to come home on the road over the lower bridge. Should I be using the separation?
Something still seems strange to me like it is the same road, just with an elevated turn in it. What traffic issues is it avoiding.
Thanks
Bill

Rachael August 30, 2012 (3:48 pm)

Thanks for checking on the SDOT end of this.

Erin August 30, 2012 (5:14 pm)

Sure would be nice if they could open it 12 hours early to accommodate all the Seahawks traffic.

David August 30, 2012 (5:24 pm)

Was hoping they would keep the notification option. I bike the low bridge and a closure is significant to me, especially come winter when it is cold, dark and raining.

PigeonRidgeBiker August 30, 2012 (6:33 pm)

Good point, David.

Since it’s illegal for cyclists to take the high bridge, why can’t SDOT continue to notify on the low bridge? When I get the notification, I know to head for the water taxi or delay my commute.

Been There August 31, 2012 (4:24 am)

Bill – Trains are what is being avoided.

Bill at Duwamish Head August 31, 2012 (7:55 am)

Sorry to seem so lame, but I have only run into trains trying to get to first.
If I am headed north on E Marginal, and want to go over the low bridge, do I hop onto that elevated section? and then turn left towards the bridge?

Phil September 1, 2012 (8:07 pm)

Trains is correct. The overpass was a waste of money. If your headed north on E.Marginal Way S. and get off before the viaduct and a train blocks you that new overpass doesn’t do a thing for you. What we’re they thinking?

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