Motorcyclist Killed Tacoma Crash Blocks I-705, I-5 Access

Multiple serious traffic incidents occurred in Tacoma, Washington this week, causing significant road closures and delays. On Tuesday evening, a motorcyclist died after crashing into a guardrail on southbound Interstate 705 near the Interstate 5 interchange, blocking lanes and ramps; authorities are investigating the crash with no witnesses and have withheld the rider's identity pending family notification. On Wednesday, two crashes on State Route 16 eastbound near South 12th Street resulted in serious injuries for at least three people, leading to full lane blockages and traffic delays from Gig Harbor to Tacoma. Most recently, a wreck on southbound Interstate 5 blocked the ramp to westbound State Route 16 on Friday morning, causing backups extending to the Puyallup River bridge. Authorities have urged drivers to avoid these areas as investigations and traffic management efforts continue. These incidents highlight ongoing traffic safety challenges in the Tacoma area.