See a larger project vicinity map.
Existing design The photo above shows the existing I-5 alignment through downtown Tacoma. (Note the Tacoma Dome in the upper left corner).
The below photo is a computer-enhanced visualization of I-5 once the M Street to Portland project is complete.
An interesting component shown in the computer-enhanced photo is the extra bridge over I-705. It will be built to accommodate northbound I-5 traffic. Current northbound lanes will be converted to an HOV facility for both northbound and southbound HOV traffic. Converting the existing bridge structure as an HOV bridge, rather than building a new HOV bridge, will save taxpayers about $40 million.
Proposed design
Why is WSDOT
building HOV lanes?
This project part of the Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program, a series of highway projects to provide operational improvements and high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes on Interstate 5 (I-5), State Route 16 (SR 16), and State Route 167 (SR 167). Through Tacoma, heavy I-5 traffic creates frequent congestion in this area. HOV lanes will ensure that transit, vanpools and carpools can move efficiently through the corridor, especially when traffic is congested in the adjoining general-purpose lanes. This reliability tends to increase ridership in multi-passenger vehicles and thereby helps ease demand in the general-purpose lanes, making the overall highway system work better for everyone.
The project widens northbound and southbound I-5 to four general-purpose lanes and one additional HOV lane from M Street to Portland Avenue. To allow for the widened roadway, WSDOT will replace the Pacific, McKinley, and L Street bridges over I-5, and the northbound I-5 bridge over the I-705 interchange. Other improvements include a new stormwater collection and treatment system, and replacement of all the existing northbound pavement with new reinforced concrete. The project also replaces the illumination system and enhances the existing driver information systems including traffic cameras, variable message signs, and traffic-flow data systems.
The End Result
This project demolishes and rebuilds Pacific Avenue, McKinely Avenue and L Street bridges spanning I-5. It builds a new northbound SR 7/I-705 bridge, and widens I-5 to accommodate northbound and southbound HOV lanes from M Street to Portland Avenue in Tacoma.
Project Benefits
New HOV lanes will open when adjacent projects are complete. In the interim, drivers will gain one additional general-purpose lane to ease congestion. The project expands and improves the auxiliary lanes at the I-705 interchange and the Portland Avenue exit to provide additional congestion relief, and improve exit and on-ramp safety. New concrete barrier will be constructed down the median of I-5, and on the roadside to protect drives from fixed hazards. Enhancements to the existing driver information system will provide better traffic camera views, increased communication of traffic accidents and delays, and better traffic flow information.
What is the project timeline?
Currently the project is being designed. Design work is scheduled to be complete in 2012.
The project will go for advertisement to the contracting community in mid-2012, with construction starting shortly thereafter.
The project is scheduled to take about three years to build.
Financial Information
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Claudia Cornish
Communications Manager
Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program
(360) 709-8173
cornishc@wsdot.wa.gov
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