All lanes of I-5 reopen after early collision on Skagit River Bridge

A collision around 5 a.m. Wednesday on Southbound I-5 at the Skagit River Bridge had the roadway blocked in Mount Vernon for most of the morning. Both directions of I-5 are now open.

GOOD NEWS!! I-5 is now open in both directions at the #Skagit River Bridge. Please #DriveSafe

— Trooper H. Axtman (@wspd7pio) December 9, 2020

Washington State Patrol Trooper Axtman reported that a semi hit the barrier and broke the front axel, but no other vehicles were involved. No injuries have been reported.

🚨non-injury collision🚨SB I-5 at the #Skagit River Bridge a semi hit the barrier and broke the front axel (no other vehicles involved). The roadway is fully blocked. Unknown ETA for reopening. Please avoid the area. The detour will be at George Hopper Rd. #drivesafe

— Trooper H. Axtman (@wspd7pio) December 9, 2020

Traffic was being detoured to George Hopper Road.

Here is a visual of traffic being diverted from the Skagit River Bridge on I-5. Reminder: NB and SB lanes are closed for the collision. pic.twitter.com/HLVe0xm7QD

— WSDOT North Traffic (@wsdot_north) December 9, 2020

Around 7 a.m., inspectors were reported to be on scene at the bridge with additional inspectors on the way. Both NB and SB I-5 shut down, with a detour in place for drivers.

Please plan for a long term closure of the Skagit River Bridge today. Our team is heading up from Olympia to inspect the bridge. Please plan your trip accordingly and check back here for updates, no ETA at this time.

— WSDOT North Traffic (@wsdot_north) December 9, 2020

The Skagit River Bridge connects the two sides of I-5, and collapsed in 2013 when a truck with an oversize load struck the bridge and caused it to collapse, sending a section plunging into the water below. Investigators determined the oversize load struck several overhead support beams on the bridge, leading to the collapse.

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