Traffic on Highway 12 east of Central Park was snarled for hours on Tuesday afternoon after a semitruck driver fell asleep and crashed at the Bryrwood Lane exit.
According to a Washington State Patrol report, the 59-year-old Tukwila driver was westbound shortly before 3 p.m. when he fell asleep at the wheel. The rig left the roadway to the right and rolled onto its side, coming to rest blocking both westbound lanes.
According to a post by Grays Harbor Fire District 2, the driver was transported to Harbor Regional Health Community Hospital in Aberdeen with nonlife-threatening injuries.
The State Patrol directed traffic around the wreck, using one of the eastbound lanes to accommodate the westbound traffic that had backed up following the wreck. The State Patrol said the westbound lanes were blocked for five hours as crews worked to upright the semi and clear it from the scene. The state Department of Transportation announced the westbound lanes were reopened at 8:45 p.m.
The driver is facing a negligent driving charge, according to the State Patrol report. The rig was totaled.
