SEATTLE -- Summer construction is in high gear in the Seattle-area. From the South Park Bridge closing two weeks ago to work around the Alaskan Way Viaduct, commuters are scrambling to find alternate routes.
The Spokane Street Bridge is seeing increased traffic over its bridge and more bridge openings than its average of seven times a day.
SDOT says there is now an average of 15,000 trips over the bridge during week days. There are 9,308 trips westbound, and 5,641 eastbound. The larger number westbound is presumed due to the closure of the First Ave S ramp to the Spokane Street Viaduct/West Seattle Bridge, commuters are going over the swing bridge instead, according to SDOT officials.
"It's more annoying in the morning for sure," said one cyclist waiting at a bridge lift.
"It makes you want to turn around and go on a higher bridge," said driver Johnnie King.
"It's a very unique swing," said John Buswell, bridge manager with the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Buswell was part of the original construction of the Spokane Street Bridge more than two decades ago and now manages the bridge.
"I do feel very fortunate," said Buswell.
Construction projects like the First Ave S. ramp and South Park Bridge closings translate to hundreds of more vehicles using the Spokane Street Bridge as an alternate route, according to SDOT.
"I've been with the city for over 20 years there's more bridge construction occurring right now the Washington Department of Transportation, SDOT and county work," said Buswell.
Buswell describes the delicate dance of simultaneously moving commerce and traffic. Cars take a back seat because boat traffic has no choice.
"I figure I can't do anything about it, so I turn the car off and veg out," said Roena Crandel, driver.
"It's more problematic when it's coming the other direction because I work on Bainbridge Island and I have to catch a ferry and sometimes I miss my boat," said Madeline Ostrander, a bicyclist.
Millions of dollars in commerce must sail with the tide on the Duwamish River headed for Alaska and other ports, while commuters are forced to go with the flow.
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