Nine arrested in protest that closed I-5

SEATTLE — Nine drivers were arrested and traffic was backed up from the Ship Canal Bridge for miles after a protest in the southbound lanes and a crash in the northbound lanes.

Both incidents happened near NE 45th Street in Seattle’s University District late Friday morning. The southbound lanes were fully shut down because protesters positioned their vehicles to block the interstate, troopers said.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Rick Johnson said troopers arrested the drivers for blocking the freeway and their nine cars were being impounded.

As of about 11:50 a.m., only the right lane remained blocked southbound and traffic was backed up for two miles.

The northbound crash has since been cleared.

Cox Media Group