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City officials begin outreach to those living under West Seattle Bridge before cleanup begins

SEATTLE — With trash accumulating under the West Seattle Bridge, city officials are beginning outreach to the homeless living there Monday before a big cleanup.

Seattle says it accelerated the plan after a bicyclist was attacked at Spokane and East Marginal Way last week.

The trash is not only becoming a safety hazard, but it's an eyesore.

Starting Monday morning, outreach workers will be in contact with the people who live under the West Seattle Bridge by offering them help or shelter if they want it.

Seattle officials say they want most of it cleaned up by Wednesday.

Cyclists have already said they're worried about safety concerns under the bridge, especially after a cyclist was attacked there last Thursday.

“Every time I ride through there, I want to cry. It's so bad,” said cyclist David Winters.

“Luckily, I was able to duck away from him and I rode my bike as fast as I could out of there,” said Jackie Harris, the cyclist who was attacked.

The city says it's planning to remove the tents that are under the bridge, and KIRO 7 asked about the numerous RVs parked there as well.

Officials say they are still coming up with a plan for those.

The cleanup efforts are expected to last until Thursday.

City crews say there could be some impacts to traffic while it continues.

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