What's changing?
- Tacoma Avenue Bridge and 36th Street Pedestrian Bridge will be permanently removed.
- A new collector/distributor ramp will be constructed for improvements to four specific traffic movements: 38th Street to northbound I-5; northbound I-5 to westbound SR 16; eastbound SR 16 to northbound I-5; and northbound I-5 to SR 705 and SR 7.
- A new structure will be constructed over South M Street to accommodate the new collector/distributor ramp from 38th Street Interchange to the SR 7/705 off-ramp.
- Yakima/Thompson and G/Delin bridge structures will be reconstructed to provide the necessary width to accommodate the new collector/distributor ramp and future HOV lanes that will be constructed below on I-5 in the future.
- Retaining walls, which minimize right-of-way needs, will be constructed to accommodate the new widening for future HOV lanes on mainline I-5 and new collector/distributor ramps.
- Noise mitigation will be addressed by constructing noise walls at two elementary schools within the project and the third noise wall will be constructed atop a cantilever wall to mitigate for noise impacts to an adjacent neighborhood between 48th street and 38th street.
- Through a partnership forged with the city of Tacoma, all fascia panels for these retaining walls and noise barriers will incorporate custom art design contributed by an artist hired by the City of Tacoma.
- Two storm water treatment facilities will be constructed for enhanced water quality treatment and improved storm water detention capabilities.
What is WSDOT doing 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. The public is advised to reduce speed and to be alert when driving through the construction work zone. Safety is everyone's responsibility, so Give 'em a BRAKE!
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 is the environment being 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 silt fences, inlet filters to treat water at the site and gravel and soil dams to slow water runoff.
Permanent erosion control and water quality measures will be addressed with construction of drainage structures, swales, detention ponds and infiltration ponds that collect and filter highway storm water run-off.
What is the landscaping plan for the 48th Street to Pacific Avenue?
Formal landscaping is not part of the construction project, 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 Interstate 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.
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.
How can I get more information?
If you have questions, comments or if you'd like additional information about his project, please contact:
Howard Diep, Project Engineer
Lakewood Project Engineer Office
11203 Bridgeport Way SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
P.O. Box 47445
Olympia, WA 98504-7445
Phone: (253) 589-6100
Email: Dieph@wsdot.wa.gov