All lanes reopen after 2 major collisions shut down NB I-5 in Fife

All northbound lanes have reopened on I-5 through Fife just south of the King – Pierce county line hours after two collisions shut down the freeway early Friday morning.

The ramp from 54th Ave. E to North I-5 also reopened, but expect delays in the area.

The first collision involved a fatality. The ensuing backup created by that crash led to an additional semi-truck collision. One of the semis involved in the collision was carrying cream and milk, and required “significant cleanup.”

Yes, that’s milk. pic.twitter.com/sn6s33UA3D

— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) May 7, 2021

Cleanup efforts were described as “complicated due to the extent of the damage” to one of the semi-truck’s trailers. Diesel fuel also spilled onto the road, and had to be removed before tow trucks could start removing vehicles.

Creamer has impacted Hylebos Creek through storm drains. We are on scene to make sure nothing further gets into the creek. @wsdot_tacoma @CityofTacoma https://t.co/gqJYzdrLiK pic.twitter.com/L1LWVtcdbf

— 😷 Ecology – Southwest Region 😷 (@ecysw) May 7, 2021

Drivers are advised to consider alternative routes or delay their trips as traffic is still tough in most areas around Tacoma, Fife, and Puyallup. Puyallup Police said that traffic is terrible downtown, particularly at W. Pioneer and 7th Ave. SW due to earlier closures. They recommend, “travel by helicopter, foot, bicycle, or hot air balloon at this point. Just remember Saturday is coming.”

The cleanup is made more complicated due to the extent of the damage to one of the trailers. See how the axel is twisted? We're working to drag the trailer to the shoulder, but likely will need a lowboy trailer to haul away. pic.twitter.com/Jt4W1cYaZd

— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) May 7, 2021

Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest