Traffic alert: Lane blocked on SR 167 south in Auburn after leaked substance
Apr 7, 2025, 12:11 PM | Updated: 5:30 pm
Multiple lanes are blocked on State Route 167 south near State Route 18 in Auburn. (Image courtesy of WSDOT)
(Image courtesy of WSDOT)
One lane is blocked on State Route 167 near State Route 18 in Auburn as crews work to clean up a substance leak, reported Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Rick Johnson on X Monday around 2:30 p.m.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) stated at 3:20 p.m. that the two left lanes are open, and the right lane remains blocked.
“Expect delays,” wrote the agency.
UPDATE #5: SB SR 167 in Auburn at 15th St NW now has the 2 left lanes open. The off-ramp to WB SR 18 is also open. The right lane remains blocked.
Expect delays as traffic moves through the area. https://t.co/K36PCHEIzM pic.twitter.com/oypD9LSLHW
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) April 7, 2025
Johnson stated multiple lanes were blocked after barrels of resin being carried by a truck began to spill onto the highway. A hazmat team arrived at the scene to investigate.
Update: truck contains multiple drums of hazmat at lease one is leaking but not accessible. Currently a plan is being developed to access further into the truck and control the leak safely. More info to follow. pic.twitter.com/pHctSvgbtS
— ZONE3PIOs (@ZONE3PIOs) April 7, 2025
According to WSP, the leak is confined to the scene, and there is no public exposure or evacuation needed. However, the main threat was that the substance could catch fire.
Officials said 42 drums were removed from the truck, two of them were found with punctures and were subsequently uprighted and removed. Crews then inspected the other containers for leaks, meanwhile, a Washington Department of Ecology cleanup contractor was on site.
A total of 42 drums have been removed from the truck. Two of them were found with punctures and were uprighted and removed. Crews are inspecting the remaining containers for leaks. @EcologyWA and a cleanup contractor is on site. pic.twitter.com/yEJfa0cZMu
— ZONE3PIOs (@ZONE3PIOs) April 7, 2025
The WSP confirmed that no more leaks have been found, and fire crews are wrapping up.
“Thanks to the public for your patience,” officials wrote on X.
No more leaks found. Fire crews are wrapping up. There’s still some cleanup work being done by contractors. Thanks to the public for your patience & thanks to @wspd2pio & @wsdot for the help with this incident. WSP and WSDOT will have the latest on traffic impacts moving forward. pic.twitter.com/sXPKdGcPUx
— ZONE3PIOs (@ZONE3PIOs) April 7, 2025
