All lanes reopened after collision on NB I-5 at SR 509 in Des Moines, 3-mile backup remains
May 15, 2026, 5:38 AM | Updated: 6:05 am
A photo of the lane closures at NB I-5 in Des Moines. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)
(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)
All lanes on northbound I-5 at SR 509 in Des Moines have reopened after an early-morning collision blocked three lanes.
Just before 6 a.m., the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported that all lanes were cleared and a three-mile backup remains. Travelers were urged to use caution throughout the area.
In an update, WSDOT announced that the collision was only blocking the HOV lane after two general-purpose lanes were reopened.
UPDATE 1: On northbound I-5 at SR 509 in Des Moines a collision is blocking the HOV lane and left general purpose lane. Three lanes of NB I-5 are open. Expect delays. https://t.co/hSQm5Q2K53 pic.twitter.com/n0NMEi7hSd
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) May 15, 2026
The collision was initially reported around 4:40 a.m. and blocked three lanes, with the HOV and two left general-purpose lanes closed off.
WSDOT noted that the Washington State Patrol has responded to the scene.
Lengthy delays are anticipated throughout the area, and WSDOT urged travelers to seek alternate routes.
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