Your West Seattle Low Bridge closure is going to be a nightmare
Okay, so you know how we all just collectively sighed a breath of relief when the West Seattle High Bridge finally reopened? I mean, after forever, it felt like maybe things were going to get… easier? Turns out, bus karo, not so fast. SDOT just dropped the news that the West Seattle low bridge — you know, the Spokane Street Swing Bridge, the one that’s actually *for* cars and not just bikes and buses — is going to be fully closed to drivers for two whole days in May. May 16th and 17th, if you're marking your calendars for maximum frustration.
### What This Means for Seattle
I'm trying to be understated, for sure, but this is a bit much, isn't it? It's not just an inconvenience; it feels like a collective punishment for everyone south of the Duwamish.
* **Traffic Chaos:** Expect serious backups on every alternate route. That means the First Avenue South Bridge, the South Park Bridge, and pretty much every side street in Georgetown and South Beacon Hill is going to be a mess. * **Commute Times:** If you live in Alki or High Point and commute downtown, prepare to add a solid 30-45 minutes (or more, let's be real) to your drive. Remember those dark days of the high bridge closure? It's going to feel like a mini-version of that. * **Local Businesses:** This closure impacts everything from deliveries to customer access for businesses in West Seattle. It's tough enough right now without adding another transportation hurdle.
I mean, the low bridge is vital for so many folks who need to get in and out of West Seattle without adding an extra 20 miles to their trip. This isn't just about getting to work; it's about getting groceries at Uwajimaya, making it to a doctor's appointment, or just trying to navigate our already challenging traffic landscape. It just feels like another one of those things where Seattle says, "Here's a beautiful day, but also, good luck getting anywhere." That's Seattle — Rainier's out, everything's forgiven, but maybe not this.
Hear us talk about what this means for your commute on the morning show, live at mornings.live.