The SR 167 corridor is highly congested during several hours of almost everyday, despite traffic improvements after the first year of the SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project.
To further address congestion on this highway, WSDOT is extending the southbound high occupancy toll (HOT) lane from its existing end point at 37th Street NW to Third Avenue SW. The project will include a new merge lane on southbound SR 167 near Third Avenue SW to the Eighth St E interchange.
This work will reduce congestion and improve mobility, traffic flow and safety on SR 167. Other improvements will include:
- Ramp meters at the southbound on-ramps at 15th Street Ellingson Road and Eighth Street E
- Bridge work at SR 18
- Intersection improvements at the southbound off-ramps at Ellingson Road and Eighth St. E.
Why is WSDOT
building this project?
The project will provide congestion relief for commuters in the southbound direction, particularly in the afternoon rush hour.
The End Result
This project will extend the southbound HOT lane from south of 37th St. NW to 8th St. E. in Pierce County.
The project will provide congestion relief for commuters and freight carriers, improve safety, and provide commuter options. When it opens, the project will also maintain fast, toll-free trips for HOV users (transit, vanpools, carpools, and motorcycles).
Project Benefits
Safety: Safety features include updated elements such as new guardrail, pavement striping, and drainage improvements.
Congestion relief: Extending the HOT lane further south will ease congestion and provide a smoother commute for drivers. It will be especially helpful for southbound commuters heading home during the evening commute.
Environmental Benefits: Crews will build stormwater facilities and a floodplain storage site to collect and filter roadway runoff before it released into area streams and wetlands, improving water quality for salmon and other wildlife.
Wetland mitigation will likely be a part of this project. WSDOT will construct new and/or enhanced wetlands which will improve habitat for wildlife and vegetation.
What is the project timeline?
- Fall 2006 - The project’s environmental document is being prepared to assess the impacts and benefits of the proposed improvements
- Fall 2008 - Environmental documentation complete
- Summer 2010 - Acquire right of way
- Fall 2014 - Advertise for contractors to submit bids for work
- Summer 2015 - Construction begins
- Summer 2017 - Project opens to traffic
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
| Financial Data for PIN 816701C |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$82,005 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$0 |
| Total |
$82,005 |
|
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Omar Jepperson, Assistant Project Engineer
600 108th Ave NE, Suite 405
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: 425-456-8610
Annie Johnson, Communications
401 2nd Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-716-1165
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