This morning, July 25th, after 8am, a crash involving a Ford F-250 pickup towing a trailer occurred in the northbound lanes of I-5 south of the N 4th Street overpass. Further investigation revealed a structure that supports 2 large signs over the southbound lanes was significantly damaged in the crash resulting in the closure of the southbound lanes until repairs could be made.
As of 11am today, officials said southbound lanes would remain closed until further notice and an official with the Washington State Patrol said the reopening could potentially be in the evening hours.
As of 1:30pm, traffic was being detoured off I-5 at College Way through Mt Vernon during the southbound closure and northbound traffic was reduced to a single lane through the work area while repairs were being made. Traffic backups extended for miles in both directions.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area.
Update 2:30pm: WSP announced that both lanes of northbound and southbound I-5 had been reopened.