Highway 18 in Auburn reopens following extended closure from rolled-over semi

AUBURN, Wash. — A rolled-over semi-truck carrying bottled water at the Green River Bridge shut down eastbound Highway 18 for hours Tuesday morning in Auburn.

The "non-injury" crash occurred around 5:40 a.m., and at 7 a.m., the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said the backup was nearing 3 miles.

Traffic was diverted off Hwy 18 using the Auburn/Black Diamond off-ramp, according to the WSDOT, which urged drivers to use alternate routes.

Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Rick Johnson said at 8:48 a.m. that progress was being made, though there was still no ETA for reopening. At 7:04 p.m., WSDOT posted an update on X, noting that eastbound SR 18 is back open at the Green River Bridge.

Puget Sound Fire also posted on social media from the scene.

Bridge inspectors have yet to evaluate any damage done to the Green River Bridge.