By reporter Steven Smalley
Good news and bad news on the commuter front for those dealing with the shut down of the Emerson Street overpass. Although there is plenty of consternation among drivers during rush hour(s), there is a glimmer of hope for some.
Let?s start with the good, because you probably already know the bad. First, Emerson is not a total loss. If you?re leaving the north end of Magnolia for a trip downtown, take Emerson. It?s a straight shot to 15th for the trip south. Even the stop sign at the overpass is covered, so you don?t need to hit the brakes. Drive right through and turn right on 15th. You?re on your way to town.
Coming off the Ballard Bridge for a trip to Magnolia? Southbound drivers turn right on Emerson for smooth sailing to Fishermen?s Terminal and beyond.
Even drivers on Nickerson under the Ballard Bridge get a pass to downtown Seattle. The crater-filled road to 15th is open.
Also, in the good news column, the morning Magnolia Voice visited the Emerson construction location, all lanes of 15th were open both directions. Not sure how long that will last.
Now the bad news: Dravus stinks. The choke point begins at the Arco station and heads east. Cars going both directions on 20th make turns to Dravus heading past QFC. That has traffic backed up the hill on Dravus. Add to that cars making ugly left turns and bicycle traffic, and you have a recipe for flared tempers and honking horns. ?Takes forever. Ridiculous,? said one man.
Equally as bad are those who need to get to Ballard. You can slug your way through Dravus to 15th or take the Garfield Street Bridge. So far it?s tolerable.
Now to close, a few calm words from readers:
?Okay city planners…or whom ever got the permission to dig up part of the street by the old 7-11…it is hard enough these days to get into or out of Magnolia on Dravus Street and now tonight you had the outside lane blocked off and traffic going west backed up the hill on Queen Anne. Please give us a break, it’s hard enough to get out of Magnolia right now.?
And one more:
?I was wondering why they have police officers directing the traffic mess in Interbay during the commute home, but not in the morning?? I went through this morning just trying to get to work and some people were running red lights just to turn onto Interbay.? I think they need to bring the officers in during the morning commute as well.?
That?s just a sample. Let us know your thoughts: tips@magnoliavoice.com