This project was chosen as a critical shovel-ready project as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus bill).
Federal stimulus money (approximately $35.3 million) will go toward delivering this construction project, which will support an estimated 130 jobs.
Why is WSDOT
building HOV lanes from Port of Tacoma Road to the King County line?
We're building HOV lanes to ease congestion on this heavily-traveled section of I-5.
HOV lanes help transit, vanpools and carpools move efficiently, especially when traffic is congested in the general-purpose lanes. This reliability tends to increase ridership in multi-passenger vehicles, easing demand in the general-purpose lanes and making the highway system work better for everyone.
This project is 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).
The End Result
In this project, crews will widen I-5 for HOV lanes in each direction between the Port of Tacoma Road and the King/Pierce County line. Six bridges crossing Wapato Creek and Hylebos Creek will be widened. Traffic cameras will be added to monitor traffic flow and to inform drivers of traffic conditions on WSDOT's traffic Web sites. In addition, metering signals will be installed on the northbound and southbound on-ramps at the 54th Avenue Interchange. The on-ramps will also be widened for HOV traffic to bypass the ramp metering signals.
Project Benefits
- HOV lanes. HOV lanes provide an alternative transportation mode to those who are able to share the ride. The HOV lanes in this project join with the HOV lanes in King County, extending the statewide HOV system.
- Congestion relief. This project relieves I-5 congestion by adding new HOV lanes.
- Real-time traffic information. Traffic cameras at strategic locations inform travelers of traffic conditions on electronic signs, local television stations and the Web.
What is the project timeline?
WSDOT awarded a $31 million contract in July 2009 to Bellevue-based Tri-State Construction, Inc.
Construction started in mid-August 2009.
The project is scheduled to be open to traffic in late 2011.
Financial Information
Funding for this project comes from multiple sources, including ARRA stimulus, the 2003 and 2005 gas tax packages, and local partners.
Estimated costs at completion:
- Preliminary engineering - $15 million
- Right of way - $4.6 million
- Construction - $41.8 million
- Total estimated cost - $61.4 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Rumina Suafoa, Project Engineer
WSDOT Tacoma Project Engineer Office
1614 South Mildred, Suite M
Tacoma, WA 98465-1626
Phone: 253-534-3100
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