A crash clogging the right lane of southbound I-5 at NE 50th Street (milepost 170) is turning Tuesday morning driving into a slog near the University District and Green Lake, with southbound motorists facing backups and slower-than-usual travel through the corridor.
On I-5 southbound at NE 50th St (MP 170) there is a collision blocking the right lane.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) July 28, 2026
WSDOT Sounds The Alarm On I-5 Backup
According to WSDOT Traffic, a collision is blocking the right lane of southbound I-5 at NE 50th Street (MP 170). The agency has not released information about possible injuries or given an estimate for when the lane will reopen.
Where Delays Are Likely
The right-lane closure is expected to push congestion onto the NE 50th Street exit and nearby surface streets that feed the University District and Green Lake neighborhoods. As noted by the Seattle Department of Transportation, ongoing summer projects and lane changes along the I-5 corridor can intensify delays, so drivers should plan for extra travel time and a slower roll through the area.
How To Check Live Conditions
Motorists can monitor conditions on WSDOT's travel alerts page and the agency's social feed for real-time updates. Per WSDOT, 511 and local traffic cameras are still the quickest ways to check clearance times and scout alternate routes.
We will keep an eye on WSDOT Traffic for updates and refresh this story when the lane is reported clear. Until then, drivers are urged to merge early, avoid last-second lane changes, and watch for emergency and tow crews working along the shoulder.
