LAKEWOOD, Wash. — A crash in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 delayed morning commute traffic in Lakewood on Wednesday morning, creating five-mile backups.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the crash first happened around 5:15 a.m., blocking the three left lanes heading southbound and one northbound lane.
By 6:30 a.m., the right two lanes on I-5 southbound were reopened, along with the left lane of I-5 northbound.
Drivers were told to avoid the area if possible.
Heads up if your morning travels take you southbound on I-5. The three left lanes are blocked due to a crash near New York Avenue in Lakewood. Please avoid the area if possible. https://t.co/7d25RZJ0TF pic.twitter.com/PIgsJdiN0k
— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) November 5, 2025
At around 7 a.m., WSDOT reported seeing a five mile backup on SB I-5 at New York Avenue in Lakewood due to the collision.
“We are working to reopen the road as quickly as possible. Expect delays and backups in the area for the next couple of hours. Delay travels if possible,” said WSDOT.
Trooper Watts with the Washington State Patrol asked drivers to be patient as tow trucks worked to move the involved vehicles.
Update:
— Trooper Kameron Watts (@wspd1pio) November 5, 2025
We hope to have the roadway open in the next 1-2 hours or less. Tow trucks are on the way to remove the vehicles and @wsdot_tacoma is assisting with traffic control.
-DS pic.twitter.com/JUQc2A7eCM
The roadway reopened just before 9 a.m., according to WSDOT.
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