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Everett, WA (June 15, 2026) – A serious injury collision temporarily shut down northbound Interstate 5 near 12th Street Northeast in Everett on Saturday morning, June 13, while investigators gathered evidence along the roadway.
According to reports, the roadway closure occurred near milepost 196, just north of Marine View Drive. Traffic was halted for a period as crews examined the site and processed evidence. The damaged vehicles were later moved onto the right shoulder.
Drivers were eventually allowed to pass through the left HOV lane, while the three right lanes remained closed for several hours. All lanes reopened shortly before 10 a.m. Emergency units worked along the highway throughout the morning. Further details about the people involved and the number of vehicles were not immediately available, but detectives are continuing to examine the factors that led to the collision.
We hope those hurt in the roadway emergency make a full recovery.
Why Do Major Highway Investigations Sometimes Require Lane Closures?
After a serious roadway collision, investigators may need time to document physical evidence before traffic can fully resume. This process may include measuring vehicle positions, reviewing skid marks, photographing damage, and examining roadway conditions. Gathering this information helps create an accurate record of what occurred.
On busy interstate highways, even a single blocked lane can create significant backups. When multiple lanes are closed, delays can spread for miles and continue long after vehicles are removed. Traffic management teams may gradually reopen lanes as evidence collection progresses and travel conditions become safer. In many cases, these temporary restrictions are intended to preserve key details that can help explain how a highway collision unfolded and provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances involved.
