In April, WSDOT and its contractor Kiewit Pacific Co. began closing city
street bridges over I-5 through Tacoma. These city street closures are part of WSDOT's $72.9 million I-5 improvement project through Tacoma.
I-5 commuter traffic will not be directly impacted by these city street closures, however, visual distractions may impact I-5 traffic. Businesses and other transportation interests who use these city streets will need to find alternate routes.
The contractor has made significant progress by working through unfavorable weather conditions. These bridge closures over I-5 originally scheduled for October will now begin in April.
The Yakima/Thompson bridge over I-5 closed April 10. The G/Delin bridge over I-5 closed May 1. The Tacoma Avenue bridge over I-5 closed May 3.
All three structures will be closed to traffic for more than one year. Alternate routes during the closure include M Street and Pacific Avenue.
In March 2008, WSDOT will reopen the Yakima/Thompson bridge and a combined Tacoma Avenue/G/Delin bridge.
These Tacoma area improvements will provide safer travel and help reduce collisions and traffic congestion on I-5 from the Tacoma Mall to the Tacoma Dome.
WSDOT personnel are available to visit your group or organization to answer questions about the I-5 Tacoma project. Please contact me at swiftj@wsdot.wa.gov to schedule the presentation.