Semi crash, lost load blocked highway near Southcenter

TUKWILA, Wash. — A semi crashed, rolled over and lost its load on eastbound SR 518 near Southcenter.

It happened at about 10:50 a.m. Thursday.

PHOTOS: Rollover semi crash blocks EB 518, causes big mess

All lanes were closed. The closure lasted until 2:40 p.m.

The Washington State Department of Transportation said the crash blocked access to northbound I-405 as well as southbound I-5.

Eastbound SR 518 originates in Burien.  It eventually turns into northbound I-405 on the left and a ramp leads to southbound I-5 on the right.

The semi was carrying a load of pipes.

Police said a witness reported seeing the semi traveling 55 miles per hour while entering the curve. A sign posted near the crash shows the speed limit there is 35 miles per hour.

WSDOT expected it to take about three hours to reopen because of extensive cleanup. The rolled over semi also had to be righted and towed from the scene.

The semi driver was not hurt.

Drivers were asked to avoid the area.

Cox Media Group