I-5 reopens after semi jackknifes at SR-16 curve, snarls morning commute



TACOMA -- A jackknifed semi-truck shut down I-5 in both directions for hours during Tuesday's commute.

The roadway fully reopened around 8 a.m.

According to troopers, the semi was traveling south when the driver lost control on the wet roadway. No other vehicles were involved and there are no injuries. The driver was cited for negligent driving. Troopers said speed, inexperience and wet roadways were all factors that caused the crash.

Crews are working on cleaning up a diesel spill that is approximately 50 gallons. Traffic is being diverted to the collector-distributor lanes in both directions.

This is the eighth crash in this location over the past several months.

In February, the Washington State Patrol conducted a safety emphasis patrol in and around I-5 and SR 16 interchange. The emphasis was in response of the high profile collisions that happened in the ongoing construction zone.