View entire map. The Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program is a series of projects that will provide operational improvements on I-5, SR 16 and SR 167. Click on the map to view the project area and a list of the projects.
Nalley Valley Viaduct after the new westbound structure is completed.
The next project under construction in the Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program is a new westbound Nalley Valley bridge. The construction contract was awarded to Guy F. Atkinson Construction, and work began in January 2009. The new westbound structure is scheduled to open to westbound traffic in 2011. This project is the first of three to rebuild and expand the I-5/SR 16 interchange and the Nalley Valley Viaduct.
Welcome to the Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program home page. The Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program is a series of projects that build 70 high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lane miles on I-5, SR 16 and SR 167 in Pierce County.
From this page, you can navigate to numerous individual projects that make up the program. Some projects are complete, some under construction, others in design and some are unfunded.
Through 2023, six funded projects will be designed and constructed in Tacoma from the Nalley Valley to the King County line.
Real-time highway conditions through Tacoma are also available.
Why is WSDOT
building a regional HOV program?
To understand the answer to that question, it helps to understand what HOV lanes are.
HOV stands for high occupancy vehicle, and is a designation WSDOT gives to highway lanes restricted to vehicles carrying two persons or more. In the early 1990s, WSDOT began in earnest to build a core HOV system on state highways around greater Seattle, and has been expanding the system ever since.
WSDOT's core HOV system plan includes designing and constructing about 320 lane miles of HOV lanes. Currently WSDOT has built and opened about 235 of those HOV lane miles, most of which are located north of the King/Pierce County line. They can be found on numerous highways and interstates, including Interstate 5, Interstate 405, Interstate 90, State Route 520, State Route 509, State Route 525, State Route 526, State Route 167, State Route 522 and State Route 99.
In 2007, WSDOT opened its first HOV lanes in Pierce County, on State Route 16. They extend from Union Avenue in Tacoma to Olympic Drive in Gig Harbor. In addition, WSDOT has completed several projects to prepare for future HOV construction on I-5 through Tacoma and Fife, so the I-5 HOV lanes in King County can extend into Pierce County.
Why does WSDOT build HOV lanes?
WSDOT believes we cannot build our way out of congestion. However, we can make the best possible use of new and existing highway capacity. To that end, WSDOT has established policies regarding the HOV system. The goals of the system are:
- To maximize the people-carrying capacity of the freeway system by providing incentives to use buses, vanpools and carpools.
- To provide capacity for future travel growth.
- To help reduce transportation-related pollution and dependency on fossil fuels.
Through HOV programs and policies, we strive to make the best use of existing facilities by increasing freeway efficiency and promoting programs to move more people in fewer vehicles. Have questions about how HOV lanes work? Check out HOV frequently asked questions.
The End Result
When the the Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program is complete, you'll be able to travel in an HOV lane from Gig Harbor all the way to Everett.
Project Benefits
In addition to 70 miles of HOV lanes, these projects include many other improvements:
- Safety – Additional merge lanes, wider shoulders, improved ramp alignments and curves, and improved lighting.
- Traffic and Operations – Improved mobility due to additional capacity, better roadway alignments and the relocation of on-ramps and exits.
- Environment – Noise barriers at select locations to minimize traffic noise, enhance or expand nearby wetlands, improved methods to treat storm water runoff.
- Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) – New closed-circuit traffic cameras, more electronic signs for traveler notification, highway advisory radio broadcast transmitters, and traffic data collectors. Each of these tools helps WSDOT better manage traffic and improve communication with the traveling public.
What is the project timeline?
The Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program consists of a series of a projects that started in 2001 and will continue through 2023.
Currently Under Construction:
I-5/SR 16: Westbound Nalley Valley
I-5: Port of Tacoma Road to King County Line
Currently In Active Design:
These projects are listed in order of future construction:
Completed Projects
We have already completed several projects within the Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program. Each project contributes to the bigger transportation picture in Pierce County.
Financial Information
The projects in active design listed above are funded through the following sources:
• 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $977 million
• 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $475 million
• Federal Stimulus Funds - $70 million
• Other Funds - $97 million
Total Funding Available From All Sources - $1.619 billion
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Claudia Cornish, Communications Manager
WSDOT Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program
P.O. Box 47376
Olympia, WA 98504-7376
Phone: 360-709-8130 or 1-866-361-6799
E-mail: cornishc@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top