Building the new westbound bridges over Nalley Valley requires long-term closures of the Sprague Avenue on- and off-ramps, closures on local streets in the Nalley Valley and a few complete closures of I-5 and SR 16.
Download a one-page printable pdf (1.7 mb) of closures and alternate routes.
Eastbound SR 16/Sprague Avenue ramp closures
To allow for construction of new ramps and bridges, on- and off-ramps connecting eastbound SR 16 and Sprague Avenue are closed to traffic:
- Eastbound SR 16 to Sprague Avenue reopens to traffic in the fall of 2011 when the westbound viaduct project is complete.
- Southbound Sprague Avenue to eastbound SR 16 (toward I-5) is scheduled to reopen to traffic in 2013, when a new eastbound viaduct is complete. (The eastbound construction project is currently funded, but could be delayed a biennium. The construction schedule is driven by Legislative funding.)
- Southbound Sprague Avenue to westbound SR 16 (toward the Narrows) reopens when the project is complete in fall 2011.
The maps below show alternate routes available to motorists during the ramp closures.
Westbound SR 16/Sprague Avenue ramp closures
In June 2009, crews closed the on-ramp from Southbound Sprague Avenue to westbound SR 16 (toward the Narrows). The map below shows alternate routes available to motorists during the closure.
In spring of 2010, crews are scheduled to close the off-ramp from westbound SR 16 to Sprague Avenue. The map below shows alternate routes available to motorists during the ramp closure.
When the westbound bridges are complete in fall of 2011, three of the four ramps will reopen:
- Southbound Sprague Avenue to westbound SR 16 (toward the Narrows),
- Westbound SR 16 to Sprague Avenue, and
- Eastbound SR 16 to Sprague Avenue.
The last ramp to reopen is southbound Sprague Avenue to eastbound SR 16. This ramp remains closed until 2013 when a new eastbound viaduct is scheduled to open.
Coordination with the City of Tacoma
WSDOT traffic engineers worked with City of Tacoma engineers to develop the alternate routes. To ease congestion on the alternate routes, we'll re-time signals to optimize traffic flow, modify striping to lengthen turn lanes and add new turn lanes.
Local street closures
Motorists can expect daytime single-lane closures on South Tacoma Way and South Center Street and occasional nighttime total closures. Flaggers will direct daytime traffic and signed detours will direct motorists at night.
Access to local businesses will be maintained during business hours.
Highway closures
For a few nights during the three-year project, both directions of I-5 and SR 16 will close to traffic to allow crews to safely set bridge girders over the highways. We'll provide advanced notice of the closures and provide signed detour routes.
Scott Pierson Trail
The Scott Pierson Trail will close periodically to facilitate ramp construction. This is the recommended alternate route for trail users:
