I-5 lane, ramps close in Tacoma for vandalism repair

Graffiti removal from an overhead sign and guardrail repair will temporarily close one lane of southbound Interstate 5 in Fife and two Tacoma area ramps. 

Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, crews will close one lane of southbound I-5 from Port of Tacoma Road to East Portland Avenue. During that time, crews will also close the southbound I-5 exit to Bay Street (Exit #135) and the State Route 167 (River Road East) on-ramp to southbound I-5. The lane and ramps will reopen at 5 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled. 

During the closure, a signed detour will be provided for drivers. 

Removal of graffiti vandalism diverts limited resources away from maintaining state highways. From July 2013 to Nov. 2014, WSDOT spent $411,000 statewide on graffiti removal from signs and bridges. Anyone who witnesses vandalism or suspicious activity along roadways is encouraged to call 9-1-1.