The Public Works Department's Street Operations Division will make your commute trickier on January 20. In the efforts to repair asphalt, the intersection of South 12th Street and Union Avenue is slated to be completely closed off from the break of dawn at 6 AM until 6 PM. You can thank the need for smoother streets for the inconvenience, and yes, this is contingent on the weather playing nice. The department has put in place detours to somewhat ease your redirected journey.
This hasn't been a spur-of-the-moment decision. The works have been planned, and the public has been given a heads-up to arrange their affairs accordingly. Mark your calendars and possibly avoid the area if you can help it. The city promises that this temporary blockade serves a greater good — a future of less bumpy commutes and safer roads. But it also serves as a reminder of how we sometimes have to tear down to rebuild, whether it's old pavement or outdated ideas.
For more information or to get a peek at the planned detours, you might want to click over to the official notice in the City of Tacoma. They have the best details on what to expect and how to navigate the closure. If history is any guide, we can safely speculate that the inconvenience will be temporary and the benefits lasting — assuming Mother Nature doesn't decide to alter the schedule quickly. Stay tuned, and drive safe.
