All southbound I-5 lanes reopen after motorcycle crash before Mercer Street Exit in Seattle
Apr 30, 2026, 6:10 AM | Updated: 9:26 am
WSDOT and WSP crews arrive at the scene of the crash on I-5. (Photo courtesy of WSP Trooper Rick Johnson)
(Photo courtesy of WSP Trooper Rick Johnson)
All lanes have reopened on southbound I-5 after a crash right before the Mercer Street exit, approaching downtown Seattle.
The crash, which occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m., initially shut down multiple southbound lanes before crews began reopening the highway. The roadway was blocked for more than four hours, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
“Big delays getting into downtown Seattle,” KIRO Newsradio Traffic reported early Thursday morning. “Crash just before Mercer is still blocking lanes.”
WSP is currently investigating the crash for potential vehicular assault as a disregard for safety, WSP Trooper Rick Johnson told KIRO Newsradio.
Here is a look at the crash zone. Both sides of the freeway impacted. pic.twitter.com/GTHrTaGpUd
— KIRO Newsradio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) April 30, 2026
According to Johnson, the collision causing the lane closure involved a motorcycle and other vehicles.
The car was traveling southbound when it merged into lane four and struck the motorcycle. The motorcycle then struck the left side barrier, and the rider was ejected.
“Rider transported to Harborview with injuries,” Johnson wrote on X. “Multiple lanes will be blocked for a while. Update on injuries to come.”
Crews are on scene, as of 5:30 a.m., but there is no ETA for when the lanes will reopen. Please use caution in the area and expect delays.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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