What changed?
To improve the operation and capacity of the interchange and the Steele Street intersection, the configuration of the new interchange was significantly different than it is today. Lanes were added to 38th Street, the southbound I-5 off ramp to 38th Street/ Steele Street were widened, two of the existing loop ramps were eliminated, and traffic signals were installed to coordinate traffic flow through the interchange.
Replacement of the 38th Street overpass
The new 38thStreet Bridge over I-5 provides two lanes in the eastbound direction, three lanes in the westbound direction, and left-turn lanes at the ramp intersections.
The new bridge also provides the necessary length to accommodate future additional lanes on I-5.
Interchange ramps were reconstructed
Removing and replacing the two on-ramps (loop ramps) to I-5 eliminated the traffic “weave” movement that had existed. This weave is where vehicles exiting the freeway merged with vehicles trying to get on the freeway. The elimination of these conflict points improved the traffic flow within the interchange. The loop ramps were replaced with new on ramps controlled by traffic signals at each end of the new bridge.
Traffic flow to the 38thStreet / Steele Street intersection was improved
The southbound off ramp to 38th Street was widened to two lanes and is controlled by a traffic signal. The signal improves traffic flow from the southbound I-5 off ramp to the 38th Street/ Steele Street intersection by eliminating the need for motorists coming off the freeway to merge with through-traffic on 38thStreet.
A new pedestrian bridge was built
The existing pedestrian bridge over I-5 at 36th Street will be replaced with a new pedestrian bridge at 37th Street. The existing bridge will remain in place for pedestrian use until the new bridge is completed.
What did WSDOT do to ensure a safe work environment?
A safe work zone is one of WSDOT's highest priorities for everyone involved - workers and the traveling public alike. Contractor and WSDOT personnel are educated about workplace safety on continuous basis through formal training, periodic safety meetings, and impromptu "tailgate" meetings, and general reminders as needed. On the 38th Street Bridge replacement project, neither the contractor nor WSDOT employees experienced any major-lost time injuries.
Workplace safety includes many facets:
- Reflective clothing to provide good visibility of workers to motorists
- Fall projection on elevated structures, such as harnesses and railings
- Head, foot, sight and hearing protection
- Worker awareness of construction equipment, properly functioning backup sirens
- Clear and consistent construction signing and traffic-control devices
- Advance notice of lane and ramp closures
How was the environment protected?
There are two components to WSDOT's erosion control and water quality protection efforts: temporary measures during construction activities, and permanent measures for when the project is completed.
WSDOT incorporates "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) that treat the source of the problem to protect water quality and provide erosion control during construction. These BMPs include using a thin, water-repellant shield over disturbed soil to prevent erosion; silt fences, straw bale dams, inlet filters are used to treat water at the site; and gravel and soil dams slow water runoff.
Permanent erosion control and water quality measures were addressed with construction of drainage structures, swales, and infiltration ponds that collect and filter highway storm water run-off.
What is the landscaping plan for the 38th Street Interchange?
Formal landscaping is not part of the construction project to replace the38th Street Bridge, however, grass will be planted in areas where the soil has been disturbed as an erosion control measure. WSDOT is working with the City of Tacoma to develop a corridor master plan for landscaping of I-5 through the Tacoma area, from the King County line to the SR 512 interchange. The master plan will be implemented in segments over the next several years as portions of the Tacoma freeway widening are completed. It is estimated that landscaping for the 38th Street portion could begin as soon as fall 2003.
What has WSDOT done to involve and inform the public?
Public involvement efforts date back to 1993 in the early study phases of this project as part of the overall Tacoma I-5 Corridor HOV project. A steering committee, including members of federal, state, county, city and tribal governments, the Port of Tacoma, Pierce Transit and others, was established to make recommendations about the project. This group met periodically through 1996.
In 1997, three open house meetings were held to inform business and residential communities of WSDOT's plans. A project display was developed as a tool for public outreach and was set up in 19 locations for one to two weeks in each. In October 1998, a public design and access hearing was held, giving property owners an opportunity to formally voice support for or opposition to the project design. Presentations were given to 20 Tacoma-area neighborhood associations, community organizations, business groups, and service organizations through 1998 and 1999. Three newsletters were published during this time period.
More specific to the 38th Street construction project, public information efforts have included:
- 170,000 newspaper inserts were distributed in December 2000
- An Internet web page for project information was posted in January 2001 and revised in June 2001 to include graphic display of project progress
- A toll-free phone number is posted at the project site
- A display of project information was installed at the Tacoma Mall
- Weekly work activities and traffic impacts are reported to area media
- Project staff continues to meet with organizations and associations as requested.
If you would like to arrange a presentation for your group or organization, please contact John Wynands, Project Engineer, at the number listed below.
How can I get more information about this project?
Project Engineer Troy Cowan
WSDOT Lacey Project Office
PO Box 47448
Lacey, WA 98516-7448
(360) 753.3633, or toll-free 1.888.606.9711