Project Title & Location

I-5 HOV - South 48th Street to Pacific Avenue, Tacoma

Project Description
Improves safety on I-5, from 38th Street to I-705 by adding a collector-distributor lane for safer merges on and off the freeway.

Contractor/Consultant
Kiewit Pacific Co.

Recent Progress

Work is progressing on the various noise barrier and retaining walls and the shafts and columns for the M Street Bridge widening and the bridges for the new collector-distributor. 

Design Construction Impacts

All advanced utility work is complete:

* City of Tacoma Power - the power relocation work included nine separate projects. The final project was completed in December 2005.

* City of Tacoma Water - all advance work is complete. The final work is to be coordinated and performed in conjunction with the Delin structure demolition work.

* Puget Sound Energy - The final work is to be coordinated and performed in conjunction with the Delin structure demolition work.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

Noise barrier walls are being constructed to minimize the effects of traffic noise on adjacent residences and schools.

Storm water detention ponds have been constructed for use as part of the contractor’s temporary erosion control measures. They will later be modified for permanent water quantity and quality treatment to accommodate the widened roadway.

Water quality monitoring is critical to ensure that turbidity thresholds are not exceeded at discharge points. 

To ensure compliance with all permits and regulations, on-site meetings are conducted with the Department of Ecology bi-monthly and with the City of Tacoma quarterly.

Impacts to Traffic

Northbound and southbound lanes have been shifted toward the median to accommodate the drainage and wall work along the outside shoulders. 

Bridge closures over I-5 will begin April 10, 2006 starting with the Yakima/Thompson Bridge.  The Delin/G Bridge will be closed in late April 2006.  The Tacoma Bridge will be closed in early May 2006.  The Yakima/Thompson and Delin/G Bridges are scheduled to be reopened in fall 2007.

M Street will be paved in early April to improve the deteriorating pavement prior to closing the Yakima bridge.

Motorists can continue to expect periodic night time lane closures on northbound and southbound I-5 throughout the project limits. 

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account