Multi-Vehicle Crash Sparks Miles-Long Backup on Southbound 1-5 Near University District

The gridlock that occurred due to the crash disrupted the morning rush hour across the area. Drive time was extended, and real-time data from WSDOT’s travel center indicated that by 6:30 a.m. the drive from Lynnwood into Seattle had ballooned to 75 minutes.

Under normal circumstances, that same stretch of highway usually takes motorists approximately 30 minutes to drive through.

The Patrol Trooper of Washington State Rick Johnson provided more context regarding the accident. He confirmed that the accident involved a semi-truck together with two other passenger vehicles. 

Johnson noted that the injuries reported were determined to be non-serious while emergency personnel responded to the scene.

Response teams worked steadily to clear the wreckage, successfully reopening the impacted lanes prior to 8:00 a.m. WSDOT officials emphasized that even with the crash cleared, heavy congestion and lingering delays should be expected while the surrounding traffic flow slowly recovers and adjusts back to normal.