WSDOT update on train derailment

Photo courtesy WSP

From the Washington State Department of Transportation 8:50pm Tuesday

Operations to remove the remaining rail cars on and adjacent to the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 will continue through the night.

Crews made substantial progress Tuesday in clearing the site. Most of the derailed train cars have been loaded onto semis to be hauled away and securely stored.

Bridge engineers also inspected the rail bridge and deemed it structurally sound, with only minor repairs needed for safely reopening the interstate.

Remaining work includes relocating the cranes to position them to remove the train’s locomotive, which remains on the southbound I-5 lanes.

Crews also need to remove a hazard tree. It is highly likely southbound I-5 will remain closed through Wednesday morning’s commute and travelers should plan accordingly.

Reopening I-5
WSDOT maintenance crews have pre-staged supplies, equipment and staff, and plan to begin repairs on guardrail and damaged portions of the highway as soon as they are cleared to do so.

Southbound I-5 detour
The primary detour is SR 16 to SR 3 – which is what commercial vehicles should use. We are seeing significant congestion on SR 507 and SR 7, and do not recommend travelers take SR 302.

Before heading out the door, drivers should check the latest traffic conditions by using WSDOT’s trip planning tools:

Calling 5-1-1
Following @wsdot_tacoma and @wspd1pio on Twitter
Checking WSDOT flow maps and traveler alerts on wsdot.wa.gov