Canyon Road East Project To Cause Delays Through Fall

PUYALLUP, WA — With construction along Canyon Road East scheduled to begin in October, utility companies have begun relocating power poles, gas lines, and water mains, according to Pierce County Planning and Public Works, which on Tuesday advised commuters to expect delays along the roadway through fall.

With the project area located between the unincorporated Waller and Summit areas, Canyon Road East traffic delays will likely occur between 99th Street Court East on the south end and 84th Street East on the north end. If an alternative route cannot be found, commuters will need to plan ahead for longer travel times through the area.

The project will ultimately improve safety and traffic flow, county officials said, noting the Canyon Road East project was previously identified as a priority in the County Council's 2018-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is essentially a list of the county's most anticipated transportation projects.

Beginning this month, Tacoma Power will move utility poles, Puget Sound Energy will relocate gas lines, and Summit Water will install new water lines so county crews in October will be able to widen Canyon Road East between — and at the intersections of — 96th Street and 84th Street east and install new traffic signals at the improved intersections.

At the project's conclusion, Canyon Road will be five lanes, including a two-way left turn lane, and have new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and street lights.

A full schedule of construction on Canyon Road East, along with expected traffic disruptions, will be announced closer the the project start date, officials said.

For more information on the project, visit www.piercecountywa.gov.