Thread by @wsdot_tacoma

Collision on I-5 NB at MP 139.5 near Pierce/King County Line beginning at 3:58 am on May 7, 2021 until further notice. All lanes blocked.

#Fife: A fatality collision along NB I-5 near 70th Ave approaching @wsdot_traffic currently has all lanes blocked. First responders are on scene now, but expect delays during your morning commute as we work to get people moving again. @wspd1pio

Traffic is starting to back up to 54th Ave E in @fife_washington. NB I-5 travelers are getting by on the right shoulder for now. Pack your patience and expect delays this morning as crews investigate the scene. @wspd1pio

Update: There is now a collision involving two semis in the backup near 54th Ave E., which will take some time to clear. If you can avoid the area this morning, please do. Expert significant delays. Traffic is backed up to #Puyallup. @wspd1pio

Here is a look at the collision along northbound I-5 near 70th Ave. from this morning. One of the semis was carrying cream/milk and will require significant cleanup. Backups reach SR 16 in #Tacoma.

Northbound I-5 at the Fife curve remains closed until further notice due to the crash involving two semi-trucks. All traffic being diverted via 54th. Take alternate routes.

While we're working to reopen as soon as possible, please know this is a large and complex situation that takes time to clear.

We're seeing backups to 38th St. Since northbound I-5 at the Fife curve won't reopen anytime soon, take alternate routes.

Here's a look at the situation that's closed northbound I-5 at the Fife curve. Use alt route until further notice.

Yes, that's milk.

As the cleanup continues, northbound I-5 at the Fife curve remains closed until further notice. Backups to 72nd. Take alt routes. We're working hard to reopen, but there's no estimated time just yet for reopening.

The cleanup is made more complicated due to the extent of the damage to one of the trailers. See how the axel is twisted? We're working to drag the trailer to the shoulder, but likely will need a lowboy trailer to haul away.

Crews are removing diesel fuel from the semi-truck before tow trucks can get to work. There's also a diesel spill that got onto the lanes. Clean up will allow a partial reopening, but there's no estimated time just yet. Until then, all northbound lanes remain closed.

Multiple operations underway. One tow company is clearing the semi-truck and most of it's trailer. Second tow company removing the back end of what's left of the trailer.

Truck with the crane (right) and the big trailer (left).

A front loader is scooping up debris and taking it to the trailer near the shoulder. #HorsePower

Here's what we're up against.

Second truck mounted crane hoisting the front half of the trailer onto a lowboy trailer for removal.

This has been a long day for everyone. We know other routes are pressed right now like SR 512 here in #Puyallup. Thank you for your patience while crews clear the semis, clean up the spilled milk and boxes, and work to reopen NB I-5 in #Fife.
wsdot.com/traffic/traffi…

We are working to reopen the two left lanes near 70th Ave shortly. @wspd1pio @wsdot

There is still clean up to do, and it will take a while for backups to clear. Thank you for working together and being patient. wsdot.com/traffic/traffi…

We are running a vactor truck to clear catch basins of spillage and debris before reopening two northbound lanes near Fife. @wspd1pio

We have two lane of northbound I-5 open again near Fife. Please be cautious as you travel. We don't want to see more collisions and blocked again. Crews will continue to clean up the remainder of the debris from the closure area. @wspd1pio

Final cleanup continues, but the two left lanes on northbound I-5 near 70th Ave in #Fife have reopened following this morning's collisions. @wspd1pio

While northbound I-5 in Fife has partially reopened, please be careful in the backups. Another crash will only compound the situation. Much thanks to everyone who's keeping a sharp eye on the road.

FINAL: All lanes of northbound I-5 in Fife have reopened.