Update 4:50pm
Both lanes have reopened but the Northwest Avenue southbound on ramp will remain closed until they can finish towing away the vehicle and equipment. It has been a long three hours for people caught up in the traffic on both I-5 and the area side streets. This will probably be the final update.
Update 4:35pm
Crews on the scene report they anticipate reopening the I-5 southbound lanes again in ten to fifteen minutes (~4:45pm-4:50pm). Though it appears the Northwest Avenue southbound on ramp may will remain blocked for the time being.
Update 3:40pm
WSDOT reported via Twitter at 3:35pm it may be a “few more hours” before they can reopen I-5 at Northwest. Southbound traffic is currently backed up about 4 miles to Slater Road. Northbound remains unaffected. There have been and continue to be reported additional accidents in the back up between Bakerview and Slater.
Update 3:15pm
Nothing new to report but this image from the WSDOT camera is worth viewing. The truck on its side is visible alongside the equipment it was towing which is being loaded on a flatbed.
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Click for more informationUpdate 2:30pm
A tow truck is on scene and southbound traffic is reported to be diverted off I-5 at Bakerview and back on at Northwest Avenue. The traffic backup reaches nearly to Slater Road.
Update 1:50pm
Four cars in the northbound lanes have collided in the same area. Truck driver reported to have only minor injuries but was taken to the hospital.
Original story
A semi rollover just north of the Guide Meridian Northwest Avenue southbound on ramp has both lanes blocked. The tank on the truck (see pic)was reported to contain water.
This will take a while to clear. Avoid southbound I-5 north of the Meridian Street interchange. Traffic is being detoured off at Bakerview Road.