The afternoon commute was basically a breeze despite heavy traffic on the lower level Spokane Street Bridge. The lack of a westbound bus lane on the upper level bridge and no on-ramps other than from I-5 kept the traffic reasonably light on the upper roadway. Bikers, runners and walkers were on the lower level and the West Seattle Water taxi was also busy during the afternoon commute.

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The first commute day for West Seattle residents who had to head north to downtown following the closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct saw the expected, heavy traffic on the West Seattle Bridge but also showed that at least to a certain extent, all the advance warning paid off.

Some, who wisely chose to head out 30 minute or more early, found it to be a breeze. Teri Saxlund who works downtown left at 5:10 am and got to work in about 22 minutes. Co-workers taking the bus arrived just a few minutes behind her.

Michelle Vela-Murphy who works in SODO said," I got on my bike instead of my car and I made it to work earlier than usual. I go from Alaska (in WS) to SODO. Super easy commute. Some mornings in the car (not during viadoom) it takes up to 45 minutes to go three miles. On my bike, I can get to work in 20 minutes. My husband rode his bike with me and made it all the way to UW 10 minutes ahead of schedule. I think viadoom was the boost I needed to get out of my car anyway"

Commenting on Facebook Rica DeLos Reyes Herrera said, "I left the house around 650 and got to work around 720...it wasn't so bad...but we shall see how the rest of the week goes."

Herald reader Buddy Foley said, "I predict with all the media coverage Seattle commuters will adapt. Humans are talented adapters. Contingencies will sprout like mushrooms in the rainy season."

The Seattle Police Department was keeping an eye on bus lane violators this morning and cited 22 people for the infraction.

Ridership on the West Seattle Water Taxi was way up as expected with some having to wait for the next run as each sailing was fully loaded.

WSDOT, SDOT, KCMetro and every traffic helicopter in the area was watching as traffic volumes grew over the course of the commute. It was a good first day by most accounts though some commuters and observers had their reservations noting on Facebook that they feel the heavy traffic seen today is a preview for conditions once the tunnel is open. Some pointing out that since there will be no central downtown exits and a toll, traffic impacts for downtown commuters will still be there.

Reporter for the West Seattle Herald Steve Shay adds, "The city and county have prepared with 3,000 more bus seats, and more water taxi runs. This will not be the case when the tunnel opens. In fact, some bus routes are scheduled to be cut for budget reasons."