www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr16narrowsbridge/
A new suspension bridge is being built parallel to and south of the existing bridge, providing two general-purpose and a HOV lane for eastbound traffic. The new bridge will include a separated path for bicycles and pedestrians. The new bridge is also designed to accommodate a second deck in the future. The existing bridge will be reconfigured to provide two general-purpose and a HOV lane for westbound traffic only. Work on the existing bridge includes seismic improvements. The project also includes 3.4 miles of SR 16 from the Jackson Avenue interchange in Tacoma to a new interchange at 24th and 36th streets.
Over the past 12 months, an astonishing amount of work has taken place -- behind the scenes, along the roadway, and in the water. WSDOT’s design-build contractor, Tacoma Narrows Constructors (TNC), has virtually completed all designs for the new bridge structure itself, 2.5 miles of SR 16 roadway improvements associated with the bridge, surrounding landscaping and drainage systems, and toll facilities.
Project milestones reached over the last year include:
- September 25, 2002 - WSDOT Issued Notices to Proceed to TNC and TransCore
- October 5, 2002 - Groundbreaking Ceremony
- Week of January 20, 2003 - Roadway Construction Began
- March 17, 2003 - 1st Cutting Edge Launch (cutting edge towed from Todd Shipyards to Port of Tacoma)
- April 16, 2003 - 2nd Cutting Edge Launch (cutting edge towed from Todd Shipyards to Port of Tacoma)
- July 21, 2003 - 1st Caisson Float-Out (caisson towed from Port of Tacoma to bridge on Tacoma side)
- August 18, 2003 – 2nd Caisson Float-Out (caisson towed from Port of Tacoma to bridge on Gig Harbor side)
- August 22, 2003 – 1st Concrete Pour of Tacoma caisson in Narrows
- September 2, 2003 – New 24th Street NW overpass opened to traffic
- September 2, 2003 – 1st Concrete Pour of Gig Harbor caisson in Narrows
- September 3, 2003 – Stone Drive NW permanently closed under existing bridge
- October 2003 – Several permanent ramps scheduled to open; others scheduled to permanently close.
- December 15, 2003 -- The first of two caissons was sucessfully lowered to the seabed floor.
In 2004, the pace of construction will be even more intense. Construction milestones TNC expects to reach include:
- Complete construction of both caissons (bridge foundations)
- Build eastbound roadway approaching new bridge
- Begin construction of bridge maintenance facility on Tacoma side
- Complete construction of both bridge anchorages (large concrete housings on either side of bridge that support the bridge suspension cables, and in turn, the bridge itself)
- Build over half of both bridge towers
- Manage off-site fabrication of bridge main deck, associated steel work and bridge cables
- Finish a substantial amount of SR 16 highway work west of the bridge
- Start building the toll facility and plaza
- Do most work to relocate Living War Memorial Park