State traffic officials are urging motorists to avoid State Route 169 just east of Interstate 405 near downtown Renton because an earlier accident has closed southbound lanes of SR 169.

The accident is causing traffic backups throughout the Renton area

Drivers are advised to take alternate routes, such as SR 515 (the Benson Highway), State Route 516 or State Route 18 to reach points to the east.

There is no estimated time for southbound SR 169 lanes to reopen as of about 3:15 p.m., according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.