TACOMA – Two westbound lanes will remain closed on State Route 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge through Thursday, May 16. The lane closures are for an emergency expansion joint repair.
Washington State Department of Transportation bridge crews closed the two right lanes across the 1950s bridge span on Monday, May 13. Two left lanes, which includes the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, remain open. The HOV lane is open to all vehicles while the repairs are taking place.
Progress made on repair
Overnight Monday, crews removed the damaged section of the expansion joint. On Tuesday crews performed repairs both on and below the bridge deck to the expansion joint.
Concrete was poured on Tuesday afternoon. It will take at least 48 hours for the concrete to cure or dry before the travel lanes can be reopened. During the cure time, little or no work will be happening in the work zone.
WSDOT hopes to have the travel lanes reopened sometime on Thursday, May 16. The timing of this may change if the concrete needs more time to cure.
WSDOT needs help from travelers
WSDOT recognizes the afternoon commute while these emergency repairs are underway will be challenging for travelers heading to Gig Harbor and Kitsap County. When possible, consider:
- Avoid discretionary trips.
- Travel earlier in the day or in the evening to avoid peak commute hours.
- Stay connected: Download the WSDOT app and use the WSDOT Travel Center Map. Both have real-time information about what’s happening on state highways
- Sign up for email updates for this work and other major roadwork on state highways in Pierce County.
WSDOT will update any changes to the timeline for the emergency repair work as it becomes available.
Whenever near work zones please:
- Slow down – drive the posted speeds, they’re there for your safety.
- Be kind – our workers are out there helping to keep you safe and improve the roadways.
- Pay attention – both to workers directing you and surrounding traffic.
- Stay Calm – expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life.
