Yesterday morning, a suspected DUI driver veered into a construction zone on State Route 16 in Gig Harbor, causing the eastbound lanes near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll plaza to shut down. FOX 13 Seattle reported the incident occurred before 1 a.m., prompting traffic to be rerouted to Olympic Drive and back onto SR 16 at 24th Street.
Upon colliding with several construction vehicles, the 22-year-old driver triggered a hazmat response after striking equipment containing radioactive material. According to information obtained by The News Tribune, the radioactive device is used for measuring the density of asphalt to ensure road safety. The device was active due to ongoing paving operations intended to optimize the highway's conditions.
Miraculously, no construction workers suffered injuries during the incident. Washington State Patrol Trooper John Dattilo detailed to KOMO News that the driver was arrested under suspicion of DUI and taken to a local hospital; thankfully, they also escaped without life-threatening injuries.
Luckily, the closure was lifted later that morning after the Gig Harbor Fire Department's hazmat team verified the safety of the situation. While it was out of an abundance of caution that the road was initially closed, authorities affirmed there was no danger to the public sparked by the accident. Despite the suspected drunk driver hitting heavy machinery and a potentially hazardous material, the strong infrastructure and quick emergency response prevented a possible disaster.
