Travelers who frequently use the Tacoma Narrows Bridge for their weekend jaunts or familial obligations should brace for a bit of congestion and potential delays come mid-June. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced that they will be conducting necessary repairs on the westbound State Route 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge, due to cracks discovered in an expansion joint of the nearly three-quarters-of-a-century-old span. According to WSDOT's recent release, these fixes will require a partial lane closure for a whole weekend.

The scheduled lane closure will commence at 4 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, and is expected to last until 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 16. "Crews will close the two right, westbound lanes approaching the bridge. During the lane closures, the HOV lane will remain open to all travelers," WSDOT clarified. Despite the fact that the bridge remains structurally safe for use, the necessary repairs, taking place over Father’s Day weekend, might complicate plans, so travelers should prepare for potential delays.

These aren't the first repairs this storied bridge has seen — a similar issue cropped up in May, prompting emergency lane closures — although WSDOT notes that the current defect lies at a different location. New concrete will be poured after the joint repair is finished, necessitating a waiting period for the concrete to cure. This means that lane closures will persist even during times when no active work appears to be occurring on the site.

WSDOT is asking for the cooperation of those who will be traversing this route during the maintenance period. Tips include: adding extra travel time to prevent delays, and considering whether non-essential trips might be combined or postponed. "Slow down – drive the posted speeds; they're there for your safety," the transportation department urges, and "Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life."