NB I-5 back open after semi truck overturns, causes huge delays

TUKWILA -- A rolled UPS semi blocked four lanes of northbound Interstate 5 Thursday morning, causing a traffic backup that stretched miles.

Officials encouraged drivers to use alternative routes to I-5, such as SR 99, 516 and 167. At one point, officials estimated the backup of cars was eight miles long, and drivers from Federal Way to Seattle spent two hours in traffic.

Washington State's Department of Transportation officials said the truck is cleared and the roadway is reopened. Though expansion joints were near where the truck rolled, little damage to the joints was found. A backup still existed at 9:15 a.m.

Many other crashes were reported around the Puget Sound, further compounding traffic headaches.  A semi rolled over on eastbound State Route 520 near 148th Street around 9 a.m., and a 2-car crash on I-5 near Seneca street hindered traffic that was finally starting to clear on NB I-5.

Below is an archived blog of the latest traffic information.