Look Like We Picked The Wrong Day To Stop Worrying About Gridlock

All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 through downtown Seattle were closed earlier this afternoon while the State Patrol investigated an accident involving a tractor-trailer and several other vehicles at 1:54 p.m near the Mercer Street exit.

We're advising people to avoid I-5 right now," said Lauren Penning, spokeswoman for the Washington Department of Transportation.

You might want to avoid it for the rest of the afternoon time:

HIGHEST IMPACT
I-5 N - Accident, Right Center Lane Blocked on I-5 northbound at Northeast 50th Street starting 4:28 PM, 02/01/08 until further notice
From milepost 169 to milepost 170

HIGHEST IMPACT
I-5 S - Disabled truck, Carpool Lane Blocked on I-5 southbound at University Street starting 4:17 PM, 02/01/08 until further notice
From milepost 165 to milepost 166

HIGHEST IMPACT
I-5 S - A multi vehicle collision has occurred on I-5 southbound at milepost 96 or just north of old maytown road that involves several cars and four semis. Only the right lane is open at the scene with a detour in place at ninety third avenue. Motorist should expect extensive backups and delays.

And of course:

HIGHEST IMPACT I-90 - Snoqualmie Pass remains closed from milepost 34 near North Bend to milepost 106 near Ellensburg. Extreme winter conditions continue to hit the Cascades and Snoqualmie Pass and avalanche risk is at historical levels. Avalanche control work continues. By 8 p.m. this evening, avalanche experts will be able to evaluate the success of the days avalanche control efforts. WSDOT will be able to provide a better assessment of a possible re-opening time.