Hanford

Crash at Hanford snarls morning commute traffic as workers enter site north of Richland

Hanford was used to produce plutonium for the nation’s nuclear weapons program during World War II and the Cold War. Environmental cleanup is underway now.
Hanford was used to produce plutonium for the nation’s nuclear weapons program during World War II and the Cold War. Environmental cleanup is underway now. Courtesy Department of Energy

Traffic was diverted at the Hanford nuclear reservation from about 6 to 8:30 a.m. during the Wednesday morning commute due to a crash.

Workers were advised there would be traffic delays at the main entrance to the secure portion of the site, the Wye Barricade north of Richland.

Traffic at the barricade was diverted to Route 2 South rather than being allowed on Route 4 South, the most direct route north to central Hanford where the vitrification plant and tank farms are located.

The crash was on Route 4 South and Canton Avenue.

No information on the crash was immediately released by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

About 11,000 people are employed at Hanford, either on site or in offices in the Tri-Cities, Wash.

This story was originally published September 28, 2022 at 7:16 AM.

AC
Annette Cary
Tri-City Herald
Senior staff writer Annette Cary covers Hanford, energy, the environment, science and health for the Tri-City Herald. She’s been a news reporter for more than 30 years in the Pacific Northwest. Support my work with a digital subscription
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