I-5 South In Tacoma Reopens After Long Delay

TACOMA, WA — A crash on Interstate-5 in Tacoma involving two semitrailers forced a closure of the southbound lanes and a partial closure of the northbound lanes near South Yakima Avenue early Tuesday.

Despite the apparent severity of the crash no injuries were reported, according to Washington State Trooper Johnna Batiste.

Just after 10 a.m., Batiste announced the entire roadway was finally reopened — and she cautioned drivers to mind the wet roads.

In a tweet, Batiste said one of the semis (the blue one) was attempting to pass the other but was traveling too fast on the wet highway while approaching a curve in the road. As a result, the blue semi lost control, its trailer swinging around wide to block all lanes of traffic.

The crash reportedly caused a significant diesel fuel spill as well, which crews cleaned up.

Just before 9 a.m., a tow truck pulled the involved semis from the scene. A displaced barrier was also replaced.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m., Batiste and Washington State Department of Transportation officials announced the reopening of all northbound lanes.

Southbound commuters were encouraged to take exit 133 to Highway 7, detouring across South 38th Street during the closure.

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Image via Washington State Department of Transportation