Tragic Collision Closes Vital SR-104 in Kitsap County, Causing Major Delays
Travelers in Kitsap County faced severe disruption this weekend after a deadly collision involving a commercial vehicle forced the complete shutdown of State Route 104, a critical corridor for the region’s ferry and commuter traffic. The massive incident, which resulted in at least one fatality, underscores the ongoing safety challenges along this heavily used route.
The crash occurred on Saturday, November 29, 2025, bringing an immediate halt to traffic on a key section of the highway. While officials have not released complete details about the nature of the collision, the involvement of a large commercial truck resulted in an extensive scene that required hours for investigation and cleanup. The roadway closure caused immediate gridlock, turning a regular weekend commute into a travel nightmare for countless drivers.
SR-104 is already notorious for congestion, primarily due to its role as the primary feeder route for the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. This route is a lynchpin of the Puget Sound transportation network, carrying the second-highest volume of vehicles in the entire Washington State Ferry system annually. Even under normal circumstances, ferry loading backups routinely cause traffic snarls and gridlock that spill into the surrounding village center.
The sudden and tragic nature of this latest collision highlights the fragility of this essential artery. When an unexpected fatal crash occurs, the impact is immediately magnified across the entire peninsula.
Kitsap County and the Washington State Department of Transportation have been actively working to address the area’s persistent traffic issues. In fact, a major project is currently underway to build a new ferry traffic holding lane along the shoulder of SR-104 near Kingston, a preventative measure designed to ease peak-hour congestion. However, while engineering projects aim to improve flow, this fatal event reminds the community that driver behavior remains a constant variable.
County officials have previously noted that one of the top categories for serious injury and fatal collisions is “opposite direction” crashes, a category that includes head-on impacts, along with lane departures. This long-standing safety concern only adds to the gravity of any major blockage on the highway, reinforcing the commitment by Kitsap County to its “Target Zero” goal of eliminating serious injury and fatal collisions by 2030.
In the wake of the extensive closure, local law enforcement urged travelers to seek alternate routes and allow for significant delays. For many, SR-104 is more than just a road; it is a critical connection between the peninsula and the greater Puget Sound area. When it shuts down, the region feels the impact deeply, bringing into sharp focus the human cost of a traffic tragedy and the vulnerability of our daily commutes.
The investigation into the cause of the deadly commercial vehicle crash is ongoing. Authorities ask that anyone with information about the incident contact the Washington State Patrol. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.
