A Snohomish County motorcycle deputy was hurt in a crash that closed southbound Interstate 5 for nearly three hours.

The crash occurred on I-5 just south of State Route 531 near Smokey Point Wednesday morning.

The officer has been a motorcycle patrol deputy with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office for five years. 

He was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center, said Trooper Keith Leary of the Washington State Patrol.

Witnesses told officers they saw the deputy's motorcycle lose control and flip off the road at about  8:15 a.m.   Additional deputies were dispatched to check on the deputy when he didn't respond to dispatchers.

"We have good news that our deputy appears to be doing well," Lt. Rob Palmer said. "He's aware of who he is and where he's at. His injuries are all things considered relatively minor. He is expected to recover and we're very happy that it isn't more serious." 

All southbound lanes on I-5 were open by 10:52 a.m., but traffic was backed up for approximately six miles.