Courtesy photo by Washington State Patrol
Update at 2:55 p.m.: All lanes are now open, although traffic is still slow back to the Labree Road interchange
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Northbound Interstate 5 is closed in Centralia with an overturned semi-truck carrying household chemicals blocking the roadway.
It began just before 6 o’clock this morning when the semi and a dump truck collided at the Mellen Street overpass, according to the state Department of Transportation.
It’s not expected to reopen before about 10:30 a.m., according to a DOT spokesperson.
The Department of Ecology is on scene to conduct containment and preparation for cleanup; some of the materials spilled, DOT spokesperson Abbi Russell said this morning.
The Washington State Patrol reported only minor injuries, but Riverside Fire Authority said no one need to be transported to the hospital.
DOT is recommending motorists avoid the area.
Trooper Ryan Tanner said troopers were also called to a log truck wreck on state Route 505 near Interstate 5 about 8 a.m.
Backup in northbound lanes at 13th Street interchange in Chehalis at 1 p.m.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter