Update: Wreck cleared after asphalt truck overturns on Pierce County highway
Update, 5:32 p.m.: WSDOT reports the wreck has been cleared.
Previous post: Traffic is backed up on eastbound state Route 512 near Puyallup after a tank-style truck carrying liquid asphalt struck a barrier Thursday afternoon and rolled into the median. Expect long delays.
The crash was reported at 1:27 p.m. is blocking all lanes near Meridian Street, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
All eastbound traffic has been diverted to Meridian, according to Washington State Patrol Trooper John Dattilo.
No one was injured, Dattilo told The News Tribune.
Around 3:30 p.m. Dattilo said tow trucks were on site removing the truck and the Department of Ecology was responding to see if an immediate clean up was necessary. There is no debris in the road or danger to drivers, he said.
Dattilo said he expected the truck to be removed by 4:30 p.m. and the road would reopen based on the Department of Ecology’s decision. The cause of the crash was unknown at this time.
He told drivers to “be patient,” knowing that rush hour traffic will be affected and told people to avoid the area if possible.
Becca Most contributed to this report.
This story was originally published May 15, 2025 at 2:31 PM.
