Fog, sub-freezing temperatures and a crash involving two trucks and spilled diesel in Portland on southbound Interstate 5 may slow the Friday morning commute out of Vancouver.
The Oregon Department of Transportation said in a news release that the crash happened around 3:30 a.m. at Marquam Bridge.
Southbound traffic should use Fremont Bridge and Interstate 405 as a detour, ODOT said. All lanes of northbound I-405 remain open.
“Expect delays and a lengthy closure as crews work to remove the trucks and clean spilled diesel,” the news release says.
The department said in an update sent out about 8 a.m. that crews were getting ready to tow the two trucks, identified as semis, that had crashed. The update says officials hope the southbound lanes of the freeway near the bridge are open by mid-morning.
As of 6:40 a.m., traffic maps shows vehicles moving through the Portland-Vancouver area at its typical pace.
The National Weather Service issued a short-term forecast warning the area’s residents of dense fog over the I-5 corridor. The affected Clark County communities include Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Washougal, Yacolt and Amboy.
Visibility is a quarter-mile or less is some spots, according to the weather service.
Additionally, sub-freezing temperatures may result in slick spots on the roads. Officials urges drivers to leave extra room between vehicles and slow down, as well as plan extra time for the commute.
As the day continues, the forecast calls for partly sunny skies and a high temperature near 54 degrees. Tonight, the low should be around 39.
