Afternoon commute may be brutal around Tacoma area as 2 wrecks snarl traffic

Commuters driving around the Tacoma area may face long delays Friday afternoon due to an overturned semitruck on northbound state Route 167 in Algona and a five-car collision in Lakewood on northbound Interstate 5.

A look at the Washington State Department of Transportation’s travel map showed miles of stop-and-go traffic near Lakewood and Algona. Just before 3 p.m., traffic was backed up to Sumner on state Route 167, and congestion on northbound Interstate 5 stretched to DuPont.

Travelers driving north from JBLM or the Puyallup area should expect delays.

The Algona wreck was reported at about 1:27 p.m. just north of Ellingson Road, according to WSDOT. The rolled over semi truck completely blocked the state highway, leaving no room for traffic to get around. On Twitter, WSDOT said it would be an “extended” closure.

Traffic was being diverted to the Ellingson Road exit, according to the Valley Regional Fire Authority. Fire officials said four people were treated for injuries that weren’t life threatening. It’s unclear how the wreck occurred. Washington State Patrol troopers said a pickup was also involved.

The northbound Interstate 5 collision in Lakewood was reported at about 2:07 p.m. near Bridgeport Way. In a video tweeted by WSDOT, traffic appeared to be getting by in one lane. Traffic was backed up to DuPont by about 3 p.m.

It’s not yet clear how that wreck occurred either. Trooper Robert Reyer said the collision resulted in only minor injuries.