The first day of the Seattle commute without the Alaskan Way Viaduct began with multiple crashes on both directions on Interstate 5. The crashes at Mercer Street caused backups into downtown Seattle.

The first crash occurred shortly before 5 a.m. Heavy rain caused standing water on the roadway.

The crashes were cleared by 6:20 a.m. KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Traffic Anchor Jenni Hogan and and KIRO 7 News crews watched Monday's commute and reported from various locations to monitor traffic conditions and provide alternate routes. Hogan has put together a comprehensive Viaduct closure survival guide.

Hogan said there was heavy traffic on the West Seattle Bridge.

Reporter Jeff Dubois drove on the bridge, and reported backups approaching the exit to First Avenue South but traffic was not gridlock. Reporter Rick Price said there was high demand for the West Seattle water taxi and about 2 dozen people were left behind during a run because the boat was full. Price said riders should prepare for a wait on the dock.

Traffic cameras, drive times
Viaduct closure survival guide
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Details about closure

Traffic was slowed on state Route 509 out of Burien as people headed to the Michigan Street exit on the First Avenue Bridge, heading to I-5. Other drivers crossed the bridge to take surface streets.

Interstate 5 traffic did not appear to be significantly heavier than usual. Though traffic wasn't gridlocked as some had predicted, officials warn that drivers shouldn't assume the commute won't be affected by the closure and jump back into their cars after taking public transportation Monday.

Public transportation options

• Metro has added 30 additional buses to routes around South Seattle. It's also adding extra bus stops and getting rid of others, hoping to make the commute easier.
• Sound Transit Light Rail is also an option, and additional parking spots are being added to the Tukwila parking lot this to make room for commuters.
• The water taxi to and from West Seattle is extending its service.
• Community Transit
• Pierce Transit
• Rideshareonline.com

WSDOT has provided recommended routes through Seattle for drivers.

The Seattle DOT set up new live streaming traffic cameras for the closure.

For those commuting north from the south end, the viaduct is open from South Royal Brougham Way though the Battery Street Tunnel. Drivers can access the onramp at Royal Brougham from First Avenue in SoDo, get on the northbound viaduct, and then continue north to Aurora. The ramp is open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Crews are demolishing the southern mile of the viaduct.

In addition to the demolition, crews will also finish a 4-lane bypass and build a new southbound SR 99 offramp to South Atlantic Street.

The new bypass route will open Oct. 31 at 5 a.m.