Traffic along State Route 520 is slowly returning to normal after a collision early Thursday blocked two lanes near Montlake Boulevard in Seattle. The crash, which occurred around milepost 2, led to extended closures of both the left general-purpose lane and the HOV lane, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
WSDOT Traffic first reported the incident around 8 a.m., warning drivers to expect significant delays heading westbound toward Interstate 5. By late morning, officials confirmed that both affected lanes had reopened, though congestion persisted well into the afternoon.
The cause of the crash and the number of vehicles involved have not yet been released. No major injuries were immediately reported.
Why It Matters
SR 520 is a critical commuter corridor connecting Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, and even minor incidents can ripple across the region’s morning rush hour. Thursday’s delays highlight ongoing congestion challenges on the route, especially during peak travel times.
Officials continue to urge drivers to stay alert, allow extra travel time, and check real-time traffic updates before heading out — particularly on busy stretches like the Montlake Interchange, where construction and merging traffic often complicate travel.
