Calling all night owls and evening commuters in the south Puget Sound and Kitsap Peninsula area: expect some delays starting mid-July due to a major paving project across six state highways. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced, that roadwork aimed at smoothing out your drive will kick off on the night of July 14. This construction activity will remove and replace asphalt, which could mean nighttime lane and ramp closures starting with State Route 16, west of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Gig Harbor, as per a WSDOT news release.
The $25.8 million project is not just about current comforts but also future savings, reducing the potential for emergency repairs and sudden lane closures. WSDOT's initiative, which includes work on roads in Thurston, Pierce, Kitsap, and Mason counties, will span several highways—with SR 3 and I-5 among the affected routes. Traffic schedules may be shifted as the work commences, and those planning to travel at night should be prepared for possible disruptions and slow-moving traffic.
For those seeking specifics on the disruptions, detailed information can be tracked through the project webpage and the WSDOT app, which will be updated as the project progresses. Businesses and residents in the vicinity have been forewarned to brace for a rise in construction noise; grinding and paving operations, necessary for progress, are inherently loud.
Completion of the project is scheduled for this fall, with crews grinding down old asphalt before laying down a fresh layer. After allowing time for it to cure, permanent lane markings will be installed. WSDOT reinforces the message that safety for both workers and drivers is paramount, urging everyone to "watch their speeds," and provides ample space for the construction crews on the job. Travelers can anticipate smoother rides on routes spanning from Gig Harbor to Puyallup, and from Olympia to Kamilche if they can just weather the temporary inconveniences of summer construction.
