CHOKEPOINTS

‘Slow down:’ Troopers respond to nearly 40 King County crashes Tuesday

Oct 8, 2024, 9:33 AM | Updated: 4:05 pm

I-5 commute crash...

Screengrab of WSDOT cameras recording the crash and slowdown on I-5. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

A four-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 5 (I-5) express lanes heading south Tuesday morning, causing the morning commute to slow to a standstill. The crash was just one of many as troopers responded to nearly 40 during the day.

The four-vehicle crash happened near Mercer Street in downtown Seattle, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), at approximately 7:45 a.m.

More from Chokepoints: Massive toll system changes on the way

Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Rick Johnson said the crash involved a semi-truck and three cars. The four left lanes were blocked for nearly an hour. By 8:37 a.m., all but one lane was able to reopen.

Peace and quiet ahead: Boylston Ave off-ramp to shut down for noise walls

Injuries were reported from the incident, according to KIRO 7, but the severity is unknown as of this reporting. Medics with the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) responded to the scene.

Johnson said crashes were seen across the county.

“WSP troopers in King County alone have responded to 38 collisions since 2:30 a.m. this morning,” he stated on  X. “Please slow down and adjust your speed for traffic and weather conditions.”

Johnson added to look for standing water on all roadways.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest and KIRO 7

Frank Sumrall is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here and you can email him here.

Chokepoints

SEA ground stop thunderstorm...

Jason Sutich

Ground delay at SEA Airport after thunderstorms hit the region

A ground delay has been issued for flights arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after thunderstorms swept through the region Thursday.

4 days ago

Drivers use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, also called the diamond or commuter lane. (Photo...

Chris Sullivan

When is a left lane camper not really camping?

Is there anything worse than a left lane camper? It's time for a reminder on what is and isn't the congestion-causing behavior that drives us nuts.

4 days ago

revive I-5 tolls I-405 commute...

Chris Sullivan

90-minute morning commutes return as Revive I-5 swings back into action

As expected, the drives out of Snohomish County were awful, some of the worst travel times we've seen since the project started again in January.

5 days ago

washington state ferries low tides...

Nate Connors

Low tide cancellations and restrictions on Washington State Ferries this week

If you plan on traveling on a Washington State Ferry this week, you'll need to plan around cancellations and/or delays on a few routes due to low tides.

6 days ago

Walla Walla Ferry...

Chris Sullivan

Don’t get turned away at the Kingston Ferry, you need a ticket first

He did not know that there is now a ticket kiosk about a mile west of the toll booth in Kingston. You are required to get a ticket at that kiosk before getting into the ferry line down to the toll booth and terminal.

6 days ago

I-5 north crash...

MyNorthwest Staff

2 lanes reopen on I-5 north after crash involving semi-truck

Two left lanes have reopened after all lanes were blocked on I-5 north due to a crash involving a semi-truck.

7 days ago

‘Slow down:’ Troopers respond to nearly 40 King County crashes Tuesday