Travelers planning to use the westbound State Route 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge on Sept. 19 and 20 should be ready for delays. The bridge, an essential route for the residents of Tacoma and the surrounding areas, is set to undergo another round of emergency repairs to fix an expansion joint, according to an announcement by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
The maintenance work will commence at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, requires the closure of two right lanes near the bridge and the Jackson Avenue on-ramp to westbound SR 16. During this period, the HOV lane will be made accessible to all drivers until the lanes are expected to reopen by 10 p.m. the following day. As the WSDOT pours and allows the new concrete to cure, sporadic closures could occur even if no active work is visible.
With the approach to the bridge likely to experience increased congestion, particularly during the evening commute on Sept. 19, WSDOT has urged drivers to allow for additional travel time or to reschedule non-essential trips where feasible. This bridge, standing for over seven decades, requires consistent attention, as reflected by similar repair works that took place in May and June of 2024, with the most recent repairs happening in December of the same year.
WSDOT has provided several safety tips for drivers navigating the work zone: "Slow down – drive the posted speeds; they're there for your safety. Be kind – WSDOT’s workers are there to help keep everyone safe and improve the roadways. Pay attention – to workers directing surrounding traffic. Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life." Commuters can sign up for email updates or use the WSDOT app and Travel Center Map for real-time information.
