EVERETT- A retention pond designed to capture runoff water overflowed Sunday night along northbound I-5, causing a minor mudslide and a 12-hour freeway lane closure.
As much as 15 cubic yards of mud slid down the slope below the northbound lanes of I-5 at the Broadway exit, said Ryan Bianchi, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.
One lane was closed to protect the traveling public and to make room for repairs.
I-5 was never undermined, but the state closed the right lane just to make sure no drivers were at risk.
The right lane was closed at 11 p.m. Sunday night and opened at 12:30 p.m. Monday.
Water started running down the slope about 9 p.m. and turned to mud shortly after, Bianchi said.
The mud flowed into the back yards of three homes in the Lowell neighborhood and a foot of water flooded the basement of one home.
The water leak was tied to a drainpipe that malfunctioned, he said.
The mud and water were contained by midnight. Extra time was needed to make repairs.
Reporter Lukas Velush: 425-339-3449 or lvelush@heraldnet.com.
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