SHINE — A crash near the west end of the Hood Canal Bridge closed traffic for several hours Tuesday afternoon, according to the Washington State Patrol.
WSP said in a social media post that a trailer truck towing a garbage truck was headed east on Highway 104 when it lost control and struck a utility pole. Trooper Katherine Weatherwax reported that the tow truck’s brakes were not functioning properly, contributing to the crash. The vehicle also had to be towed from the scene after officials discovered it was leaking fuel.
The collision forced the closure of the Hood Canal Bridge, creating significant backups in both directions. By about 4 p.m., WSDOT and Trooper Weatherwax reported that traffic had begun alternating through the area, but delays remained.
The traffic issues prompted the cancellation of several high school basketball games scheduled for Tuesday night involving teams that would have needed to cross the bridge. Canceled matchups include North Mason at Sequim boys, Bainbridge at Port Angeles boys, Port Angeles at Bainbridge girls, Sequim at North Mason girls, and Quilcene at Crosspoint girls.