I-5/SR16 Commuters Take Heed: Closures Are Coming

TACOMA, WA - The projects to install HOV lanes along Interstate-5 through Tacoma and improve traffic flow through the region will soon take a big step toward the finish line, with construction work on the final HOV segment through Tacoma slated to begin in February.

By constructing a new southbound bridge and expanding I-5 five lanes from Gig Harbor to Everett, the Washington State Department of Transportation expects the final product will bring much-desired relief to an area where traffic and congestion have been problematic for some time.

"The final piece of the puzzle is now our focus," WSDOT Regional Administrator John Wynands said in a statement. "This monumental effort represents an over $1.6 billion investment in the highway infrastructure to not only increase capacity with new HOV facilities, but also to rebuild I-5 through Tacoma."

The final phase of the massive construction project is expected to take roughly three years, with the currently scheduled completion date set for fall 2021. During that time, WSDOT said commuters can expect:

• Narrowed and shifted lanes and ramps on I-5.
• A new L Street overpass above I-5 following demolition.
• Nighttime lane and ramp closures.
• Occasional weekend ramp closures and extended closures of the following ramps:
  • Southbound I-5 exit to Bay Street
  • Port of Tacoma Road on-ramp to southbound I-5
  • Northbound I-5 exit to Portland Avenue
  • SR 167 on-ramp to southbound I-5.

Beginning Monday, commuters who use SR 16 should plan around the following scheduled closures (related to the I-5/SR 16 realignment project):

Monday, Jan. 28

• Eastbound SR 16 ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Tuesday, Jan. 29

• Eastbound SR 16 ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Wednesday, Jan. 30

• I-705, SR 7 and Pacific Avenue ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Thursday.

Friday, Feb. 1

• Southbound I-5 exit to South 38th Street using exit 132A will close from 11:59 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday.

Saturday, Feb. 2

• Southbound I-5 exit to South 38th Street using exit 132A will close from 11:59 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday.

Sunday, Feb. 3

• Southbound I-5 exit to South 38th Street using exit 132A will close from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday.

For information on the I-5 projects underway across Pierce County, visit wsdot.wa.gov/projects.

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