Tractor-trailer accident closes I-5 in Seattle overnight

SEATTLE, WA – Authorities closed all lanes on Interstate 5 near the I-5 Colonnade Park in Seattle after a serious car accident just before midnight on Thursday.

According to the WSDOT, the accident happened in the southbound lanes near State Route 520 shortly before midnight. A tractor-trailer went off the freeway and was suspended partially over the I-5 Colonnade Park.

The driver sustained minor injuries. Firefighters were able to safely extricate them from the crashed truck.

Authorities anticipated the accident would take a while to clear. Drivers were instructed to exit before the crash area and using SR-520 or East Roanoke Street as an alternate.

The closure of the main lanes continued into the morning. The express lanes were opened to help traffic get through the area, but backups were still seen across the southbound freeway lanes.

The area was finally reopened at about 5:30 a.m., once crews had been able to make repairs.

#Seattle: All lanes on I-5 SB are now closed at SR 520 while police and fire departments respond to this collision. Could take a while to clear. Please use earlier exits or SR 520 and E Roanoke St as alternative routes. https://t.co/AEjAai5jqs pic.twitter.com/mlNxDs6nWZ

— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) April 15, 2021

[cta]