I-5 reopens in Lakewood after semi-truck hits overpass in rollover crash

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Multiple lanes of northbound Interstate 5 in Lakewood were closed during the Thursday morning commute after a semi-truck overturned near South Tacoma Way.

According to Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Robert Reyer, the truck was traveling north around 2:45 a.m. when it veered to the right and struck a jersey barrier. The truck then continued up an embankment and rolled over on its side before hitting the overpass.

Reyer said the semi-truck’s cab was leaning against the overpass “facing towards the sky” when troopers arrived at the scene.

SCENE PHOTOS: Semi-truck hits overpass on I-5 in Lakewood

The crash closed three northbound lanes and the ramp to State Route 512 for several hours. Crews were able to clear the scene and reopen all northbound lanes and the ramp to SR 512 around 6:45 a.m. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported traffic was backed up to Joint Base Lewis-McChord around 6:30 a.m.

WSDOT crews inspected the overpass for any damage before it was reopened to traffic. Reyer said troopers “couldn’t see any visible signs of damage” when they were at the scene early Thursday morning.

Lakewood police officers at the scene told KOMO News the driver of the semi-truck fell asleep before the crash. However, Reyer said the cause of the crash is under investigation, but added, “fatigue could’ve definitely played a role in causing this collision.”

The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Firefighters did a tremendous job contacting [the driver] in the cab and helping him get out of the cab,” Reyer said. “He was conscious and alert after he was removed from the vehicle.”

Reyer said if it’s determined the driver was fatigued or fell asleep behind the wheel, “then that will certainly be a negligent driving second-degree infraction.”

Tow trucks were brought in to flip the semi-truck over and remove it from the area.

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