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Construction zone crash closes Pierce County freeway after radioactive spill
A suspected drunk driver crashed into an active construction zone on SR-16 near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, causing a hazardous materials response and shutting down eastbound lanes. The driver hit a piece of equipment containing a small amount of radioactive material, but authorities say none of the material spilled.
GIG HARBOR, Wash. - Authorities have cleared the scene of a suspected DUI crash at a construction zone on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge overnight.
What we know:
The crash happened at before 1 a.m. Thursday on the eastbound lanes of State Route 16 near Toll Plaza. The road was blocked and traffic was diverted to Olympic Drive and back onto SR 16 at 24th Street.
According to the Washington State Patrol, a driver suspected to be under the influence crashed into a construction zone and hit multiple construction vehicles.
No workers were injured in the crash.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities also said the road closure was in place because a measuring instrument that contains radioactive material was struck. The closure was done out of an abundance of caution, believed to be no danger to the public.
The Department of Health deemed the device safe to remove, and crews packaged it up.
After 8 a.m. Thursday, crews reopened the eastbound lanes.
Dig deeper:
The Department of Health told FOX 13 Seattle that it responds to one or two incidents a year involving damaged nuclear gauges. These typically happen on or near construction sites.
FOX 13 Seattle also asked the department what the protocol is for its employees that investigate these cases:
"The Washington State Department of Transportation holds a license issued by the Department of Health for the possession and use of radioactive materials," the department said in a statement. "Like all licensees, they are required to notify DOH when instrumentation containing radioactive material is damaged. Upon notification DOH personnel will provide assistance and guidance, up to and including if needed, responding to the scene, to support the licensee and ensure the radioactive material is secured and stored in a safe manner protective of the workers and the public’s health. The Department of Health will continue to investigate this event to ensure public health is protected and all corrective actions are taken."
The Source: Information in this story came from the Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Patrol and the Gig Harbor Fire Department.
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