WSDOT Kickes Off I-5/SR 16 Project
WSDOT isn’t wasting any time getting started on the next huge project in Tacoma. No we aren’t talking about the Murray Morgan Bridge. We are talking about the replacement of the I-5/SR 16 interchange. WSDOT says:
This project eliminates one of the worst bottlenecks in Pierce County. Backups develop due to the weave between southbound I-5 vehicles and northbound I-5 vehicles entering westbound SR 16 and exiting at Sprague Avenue.
Separating these sets of vehicles on dedicated bridges with their own ramps to Sprague Avenue eliminates the conflicting movements, increases safety and relieves congestion.
If you would like to see the ceremonial moment that starts the next traffic nightmare when the first shovels hit dirt, join our Washington State Secretary of Transportation, Paula Hammond, and other public officials next week at the official groundbreaking.
Details
WSDOT Atkinson Staging Lot
1907 South Tacoma Way
Wednesday, January 7, 10 a.m.
Filed under: transportation
6 comments
C Chris December 29, 2008
Price tag for this next auto-dependent monstrosity? I don’t even want to know.
J jamie from thriceallamerican December 29, 2008
Dreading multiple years of having to use the Union interchange w/ the closure of Sprague during construction…
T Thorax O'Tool December 30, 2008
Looks like it’ll be Exit 133 for anyone out of town coming to visit ol’ T’OT.
WOAH! Idea here!
Talk about using providence to your advantage! Use the construction mess as a way to promote Exit 133… not just the real one into downtown, but the site as well!
…so many ideas…
M Marguerite December 30, 2008
I haven’t seen the plan, is there a link anywhere to look at it?
I have hated getting off I-5 North to go to 16 since I got my license. Merging hell, that.
L Lesli December 30, 2008
Oh how happy I’ll be when the day comes that my weekly adventure off exit 132 for grocery shopping does not include waiting in line for 30+ minutes with irritated old biddies tailgaiting within centimeters of the nearest bumper making absolutly certain that I cannot merge.
But knowing my luck downtown will have a big new fancy grocery store by the time it’s finished.
Oh bother.
T Thorax O'Tool December 31, 2008
I avoid Exit 132 like the plague UNLESS I’m going from I-5 to SR 16 during the wee hours of the morning.
While I applaud the state actually doing something for once, I have 2 concerns.
1) Another viaduct to clutter the landscape. I certainly hope it at least has some pleasing aesthetics (like the new walls on I-5).
2) It will certainly help traffic, but will the ease of the finished viaduct encourage more motorists (including those who currently avoid it) to take to the highways?