SEATTLE — Protesters calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war shut down all northbound Interstate 5 lanes in downtown Seattle on Saturday afternoon. The freeway reopened after about five hours, according to Washington State Patrol.
As of 5 p.m., all of the protesters had left the freeway, though 12 vehicles were abandoned by drivers during the hours-long backup, according to Washington State Patrol.
Drivers who abandoned their cars are responsible for the impound fees, according to WSP. Throughout the incident, there were no reported injuries, officials say.
At 3:40 p.m., Washington State Patrol, with the assistance of the Seattle Police Department, issued a dispersal order for protesters to leave the freeway, according to the agency.
All northbound I-5 lanes were blocked between I-90 and Mercer Street in Seattle.
Washington State Patrol Public Information Officer Rick Johnson first posted about the demonstration just before 1:30 p.m.
According to the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), all traffic was being diverted onto eastbound Interstate 90. WSDOT said the traffic backup on I-5 grew to 6 miles long.
All traffic was diverted onto eastbound Interstate 90. WSDOT said the Incident Response Team is also blocking the University Street on-ramp on northbound I-5.
People can receive real-time travel information via the WSDOT mobile app and the real-time travel map.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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