288 pileup cleared, but the traffic remains

So if you live south of Houston, you might want to consider using one of your sick days today — or maybe leaving for work really early: Traffic is still backed up for miles because of a 12-car pileup on northbound Highway 288. The good news is that the wrecked vehicles have been cleared; the bad news is that traffic watchers don't expect the congestion to clear up until after rush hour is over.

The accident happened near Highway 288 and FM 518 in Pearland, where there's no feeder road — and, consequently, nowhere for drivers stuck on the freeway to go. It's not clear what caused the wreck, but TV stations are reporting at least one driver had to be rescued from his or her vehicle. Last we heard, traffic was backed up at least six miles on 288.

What is clear is that you might want to find an alternate route into Houston, if you're coming this way: Highway 6 to FM 521 to the South Loop, Old Almeda School Road (County Road 46), Almeda Road (FM 521), Cullen or Mykawa. People headed in from farther west may want to try Highway 59 or the Fort Bend Parkway.