West Seattle Bridge Closure

• RapidRide C Line, 21, 21X, 50, 120, 125
• Routes 55, 56, 57 are scheduled to return with the fall service change (September 21, 2020)
• Routes 37, 116, 118, 119 have been suspended indefinitely (though there is on-island Vashon service to replace 118 and 119)

Routes that previously used the West Seattle high bridge are now using the lower bridge. Because of the decrease in traffic due to COVID-19 these routes are not seeing a significant impact to travel times. They are however subject to openings on the lower bridge which can cause periodic delays.

The low bridge diversion does not affect stop locations for West Seattle routes, implying there is consistency in accessibility for Metro customers

Metro has developed a West Seattle Bridge Transit Action Plan is to address the mobility needs of West Seattle residents through bus (Metro Bus, Metro RapidRide, and Metro Water Taxi Shuttle), Water Taxi, , walking, biking, and other innovative shared-ride solutions within Metro’s financially constrained budget.

Metro has developed network plans for multiple scenarios involving low bridge accessibility. They include:

• Scenario 1: Spokane St. Low Bridge is open to transit
• Scenario 2: Spokane St. Low Bridge is closed to bus and other transit solutions. This scenario could happen for two reasons:
• Tier 1: Short term closure due to maintenance work, low bridge malfunction, etc.
• Tier 2: Long term closure due to a West Seattle High Bridge instability or collapse, including “fall area” evacuation.

Metro has reduced service in West Seattle and throughout the county to reflect decreased ridership as residents follow direction from elected leaders and public health officials, and for the safety of our workforce and the public. Under the reduced schedule, buses run less frequently throughout the day. Some bus service may also start later in the morning and end earlier in the evening.

Metro has been adding back some service to reflect demand and the opening of some businesses. We are very aware that many people do not have the option to work from home. We are restoring service to several routes that have been previously suspended, but service will not be at pre-COVID levels.

Currently West Seattle buses are not seeing major delays as traffic is very light as most people are not traveling to work. However, they are subject to bridge openings which may cause delays. Metro has been working closely with SDOT to improve transit priority to the lower bridge. Two notable projects were new transit priority at the five-way intersection at Spokane and Delridge and a longer bus lane on Delridge leading to the five-way intersection.