Motorcyclist killed in Tacoma crash on Interstate 705 near I-5
Update, 7:53 p.m.: The roadway is back open, according to WSDOT.
Original post: A motorcyclist died Tuesday after crashing into a barrier on Interstate 705 in Tacoma, the Washington State Patrol reported.
The wreck occurred about 5:15 p.m. on southbound I-705 near the Interstate 5 interchange.
The southbound lanes of I-705 remained blocked at 6:10 p.m., as was the ramp to the state Route 7 extension, trooper John Dattilo wrote on X.
State Patrol and Department of Transportation personnel were on scene. Drivers traveling to northbound Interstate 5 can still access the lane adjacent to the closures, Dattilo told The News Tribune about 6:30 p.m.
The motorcyclist, 51 from Tacoma, was traveling south on Interstate 705 and taking an exit ramp when the bike crashed into a barrier in the area, Dattilo said. It’s unclear if the motorcyclist was taking the ramp to Interstate 5 or the state Route 7 extension.
There were no other people involved. A collision technical specialist was on scene. The duration of the closure will depend on how long the specialist needs to investigate the scene, Dattilo said.
Local news editor Adam Lynn contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story gave a different age and residence for the motorcyclist based on information available. A release from the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office Aug. 7 provided updated information.
This story was originally published August 5, 2025 at 6:31 PM with the headline "Motorcyclist killed in Tacoma crash on Interstate 705 near I-5."
