Traffic north of Castle Rock temporarily slowed early Monday morning, February 9, after the Washington State Patrol (WSP) initiated a rolling slowdown to clear a crash scene on northbound Interstate 5. The incident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. near the Space Age Gas & Truck Stop.

According to information released through local station Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG, troopers used the rolling slowdown technique to briefly stop traffic, allowing responders to move a damaged vehicle safely out of the travel lanes. No additional details—such as the number of vehicles involved, causes, or any reported injuries—had been made public as of Friday.

Rolling slowdowns are a standard safety procedure used by WSP to protect responders and motorists while crash scenes are cleared. The maneuver allows traffic to slow in a controlled way while tow crews operate in the roadway, minimizing the risk of secondary collisions.

Motorists traveling along I‑5 between Kelso and Vader experienced short-term delays during the response but normal flow reportedly resumed soon after the vehicle was removed. The section of I‑5 near Castle Rock is a busy commuter route connecting Longview–Kelso residents to points north toward Lewis County.

Why this matters

Even brief morning incidents can affect regional traffic and work commutes across Cowlitz County. The incident underscores the reliance on coordinated communication between WSP, local media, and drivers to maintain safety during highway emergencies. Awareness of how rolling slowdowns function helps drivers react appropriately when they occur—reducing risk to both responders and fellow motorists.

Source: Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG — “Crash North of Castle Rock Monday Morning”.