Blocked I-5 ramp update: State offers $ incentive to get it cleared

We’re still watching the situation that’s blocked the West Seattle Bridge ramp to southbound I-5 — a tipped truck blocking the ramp for about an hour now. Interesting info in the latest update from WSDOT:

The incident knocked over a streetlight and damaged a portion of the railing. Drivers should expect delays. … A WSDOT bridge inspection team is enroute to inspect damage to the on ramp. WSP and WSDOT Incident Response Teams are on the scene. The Washington State Patrol has activated the Blok-Buster program for this incident. Blok-Buster, a joint program with WSDOT, WSP and local tow companies offers a $2,500 incentive to a tow company if they are able to clear the semi-truck in 90 minutes or less. This program, active in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, requires tow companies to bring additional tow trucks to get the roadway open more quickly. Traffic accidents are unpredictable and heavy truck incident sare the “worst of the worst.” This program is an innovative way to clear these traffic incidents faster and safer.

11:13 AM UPDATE: WSDOT now says two tow trucks have arrived, and while they’ve pulled the truck onto I-5, the ramp remains blocked, as do the three right lanes of southbound I-5 at that spot, resulting in a one-mile backup through downtown. 11:35 AM UPDATE: I-5/Spokane cam is back on the truck, and it appears to be upright now, so this may be cleared soon. 12:17 PM UPDATE: All clear now. The state says the light is fixed but the railing won’t be fixed till tomorrow.

3 Replies to "Blocked I-5 ramp update: State offers $ incentive to get it cleared"

  • toomanyratsinacageakaWS August 11, 2008 (1:09 pm)

    Good thing Spokane ST is not closed yet. SNAFU on the bridge. I can’t not think about all the lane jumpers in this area. It is still illegal to cross the double white lines. Thanks.

  • Scott B. August 11, 2008 (10:41 pm)

    “Traffic accidents are unpredictable…”

    Individual accidents, yes, but I predict another bonehead truckdriver will do the same thing right there within the next two years. Some bonehead truckdriver did the same thing right there last year (or the year before… not sure which).

  • Christina F August 29, 2008 (4:05 pm)

    Remember this one?
    http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060117&slug=webtruckroll17

    Tuesday, January 17, 2006 –
    Truck rolls over on West Seattle bridge
    By Seattle Times staff

    (edited to delete copyrighted material which was from the article … please follow the link)

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