UPDATE, 3:30 p.m.: All but the right lane of northbound I-5 has reopened through Federal Way following a major collision. Drivers should still consider alternate routes like SR 18, SR 167 and SR 99/Pacific Highway South if possible, and expect significant congestion into the evening commute.
UPDATE, 4:45 p.m.: ST Express buses operating south of Seattle are returning to their regular routing. It will take time for the routes to recover, continue to expect major delays through the evening commute.
A major collision at about 1:30 p.m. Monday closed all northbound lanes of Interstate 5 at South 320th Street in Federal Way, according to the Washington state Department of Transportation.
Washington State Patrol trooper Chris Webb told the Federal Way Mirror that a vehicle crossed over from southbound I-5 to northbound lanes, striking a vehicle. Six vehicles were involved, with at least six minor injuries and one critical injury.
The accident occurred near South 272nd Street. At about 3 p.m. there were seven-mile backups in both directions of I-5 near Federal Way and Kent.
Updates about the freeway closures are available here.
Here is the link to the traffic cameras on the state transportation website.
The freeway closure could affect travel to the 5:30 p.m. opener for the Seahawks game from south of Kent and Federal Way and throughout the region.
Even with lanes reopening, northbound drivers were urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes such as State Route 18 or Pacific Highway South if possible, and expect significant congestion, according to the state.
Diverting to SR 18 will take travelers to northbound State Route 167 in Auburn, which likely will mean more congestion on SR 167 and on I-405 through Tukwila and Renton and on the Eastside.
Initially, northbound traffic was turned around into the southbound HOV lane through the emergency vehicle turnout. Once traffic was cleared out northbound, the highway was closed at South 320th Street and all northbound traffic exited there.
Sound Transit was warning of lengthy delays on ST Express buses. Sound Transit was already expecting heave use of public transit to get to the game against Detroit.
