I-5 Northbound Reopens After Crash Closure

All lanes have been cleared following a multi-car accident in Tukwila, Washington.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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All northbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Tukwila, Washington have reopened after being completely blocked earlier due to a car crash at State Route 599. The closure caused backups of over 4 miles, but the scene has since been cleared and traffic is returning to normal.

Why it matters

I-5 is a major north-south interstate highway on the West Coast, and any closures or accidents can have significant impacts on traffic and commerce in the region. Keeping this critical transportation artery open is important for the flow of people and goods throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The details

The northbound lanes of I-5 were closed completely in Tukwila, Washington early Wednesday morning due to a multi-car accident at the State Route 599 interchange. This caused backups of over 4 miles as drivers were forced to find alternate routes. The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported that all lanes were cleared and reopened by 5:45 a.m., allowing traffic to return to normal.

  • The lanes were completely blocked on I-5 northbound at around 4 a.m. on March 4, 2026.
  • All lanes were reopened by 5:45 a.m. on March 4, 2026.

The players

Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

The state transportation agency responsible for maintaining and operating the highway system in Washington, including Interstate 5.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of keeping major transportation corridors like I-5 clear and operational, as any disruptions can have widespread impacts on the regional economy and mobility. Proactive management and quick response from agencies like WSDOT are crucial for minimizing the effects of accidents and other incidents on critical infrastructure.