Some Reminders for Your Summer Travels and Staycations

​The Memorial Day weekend has once again snuck up on us under cloud cover.  So, while it may not feel like summer is nearly here as you dig the wool sweaters and socks back out of the closet, here are a few reminders for those of you hitting the road this summer.

Increased Patrols 

Whether you’re traveling far, or staying close to home this weekend, be aware that Pierce County law enforcement is in a phase of stepped-up enforcement this week. They’ll be looking for drivers texting or talking on the phone behind the wheel, and those not wearing their seatbelts.  They did this statewide last year, resulting in more than 1,000 cell phone tickets and over 3,000 seat belt tickets. The Pierce County Sheriff and Washington State Patrol are participating in the increased enforcement, as are local police in Fircrest, Lakewood, Orting, Puyallup, Sumner and Tacoma.  While we hope none of you are driving unsafely, think of this as an increased incentive to make good choices out there.  

Narrows Bridge Toll Increase

We’re guessing a few of you will be heading across the Narrows Bridge this summer, so keep in mind that the toll rates will be going up.  The Washington State Transportation Commission approved 25 cent increase in tolls for both 2013 and 2014, effective July 1 of each year.   The new toll rates effective July 1, 2013 are: $4.25 for Good To Go! pass, and $5.25 cash and $6.25 for pay to mail. Now would be a good time to re-up that Good To Go! pass or start squirreling away the quarters.

Schuster Parkway Closure

While many of us may have long weekends, the work week will return again, and with it a new road closure to navigate around Tacoma.  Schuster Parkway southbound will be closed in the vicinity of South 4th Street beginning next Tuesday, May 28, and continuing through July 19. That will mean southbound traffic into downtown will be re-routed onto Dock Street, and then either onto I-705 or into downtown via 15th Street.  One of the southbound lanes will reopen nightly between 9 pm and 9 am.  The closure is necessary while crews work to repair the retaining wall on Schuster Parkway below Stadium Way.  Pedestrian access to the sidewalk in that area will also be restricted for two to three weeks during the closure, and anyone unlucky enough to try to walk south into downtown on the sidewalk will also be directed to take the Dock Street detour.

Bridge to Beer

On a more cheerful note, for those of you staying in town for the holiday, Defiance Bicycle and Seven Seas Brewery are teaming up to host a fun bike ride across the Narrows Bridge.  Bridge to Beer will be a 10 mile, free, all ages, all ability ride.  Bicyclists will ride as a group from Defiance Bicycle at 411 S Fawcett across the Narrows Bridge to the new Seven Seas Tap Room in Gig Harbor.  The ride back is on your own time and speed, but they’ll have plenty of waterproof TRH Pint Pedaler craft brewery bike maps on hand to guide you back (it’s pretty straightforward).  This is a great chance to enjoy tasty Seven Seas beers and try out the ride across the bridge with a little support.  The brewery doesn’t serve food, but they do allow you to bring in your own - what could be more appropriate for a Memorial Day bike ride than a picnic?  The ride  goes on, rain or shine (we’ll keep our fingers crossed for shine).