You get caught in Seattle traffic mess Tuesday? Here's why

Elliott Avenue traffic was moving slow near the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct on-ramp, which was closed Tuesday afternoon. (Photo: Seattle Dept. of Transportation)



SEATTLE -- A two-car collision at East Marginal Way South and South Nevada Street sent three people to the hospital and shut down State Route 99 through Seattle for hours Tuesday afternoon.

Just before 2 p.m. Tuesday, police and firefighters responded to the collision in the Sodo district.  A car traveling north on Marginal Way crossed the center line and collided with a southbound car.

Police said three people were transported to Harborview Medical Center with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

The location and seriousness of the collision prompted police to close SR 99.

At about 7:30 p.m., SR 99  was reopened for traffic.

Traffic for the Mariners game at Safeco Field also contributed to backups through the city.