Crash Shuts Down Four Northbound Lanes On January 9, 2026, a three‑vehicle collision struck a WSDOT attenuator truck protecting guardrail repairs on the northbound shoulder of I‑5 near South 272nd Street in Federal Way, closing all four lanes [1]. The attenuator truck was unoccupied at the moment of impact, and none of its occupants were injured [1]. Investigators have not yet determined the sequence of events or cause of the crash, and they will review dash‑camera footage and scene evidence [1].

Traffic Backups Extended Up to Four Miles The sudden lane closure created a backup that stretched roughly four miles southward to the Pierce County border, trapping commuters during the morning‑to‑late‑afternoon travel window [1]. Emergency responders treated several individuals at the scene, but no life‑threatening injuries or fatalities were reported [1]. Drivers experienced significant delays until crews began clearing the wreckage [1].

Crews Restore Flow by Early Evening By approximately 5 p.m., WSDOT crews had removed the vehicles and reopened the northbound lanes, restoring normal traffic flow on I‑5 [1]. The rapid clearance limited the disruption to the afternoon commute, though some drivers remained stuck in lingering queues [1]. Officials emphasized that the investigation will continue despite the reopening [1].

Investigation Remains Ongoing WSDOT announced that the crash’s cause remains under investigation, with authorities planning to examine dash‑camera recordings and gather witness statements [1]. No additional details about contributing factors have been released [1]. The agency will issue further updates as the inquiry progresses [1].