Why is WSDOT
rebuilding the westbound I-5/SR 16 Nalley Valley interchange?
To increase safety, improve mobility and reduce congestion, WSDOT is rebuilding the I-5/SR 16 Nalley Valley interchange. The existing Nalley Valley interchange is too narrow to carry additional lanes and the unique structure-type prevents widening.
Reconstruction of the interchange is staged to keep people and goods moving.
The westbound Nalley Valley construction contract builds a new westbound connection between SR 16 and I-5. When the westbound project is complete, a separate construction project builds a new eastbound SR 16 connection to I-5.
This project is part of a series of projects to reduce congestion, improve safety and add HOV lanes in Pierce County. Learn more about the Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program.
The End Result
The Westbound Nalley Valley project improves the westbound connection between I-5 and SR 16 by:
- Constructing new westbound bridges over Nalley Valley.
- Eliminating traffic weave with a new direct connection from southbound I-5 to Sprague Avenue and westbound SR 16.
- Building a new Sprague Avenue on-ramp to westbound SR 16.
- Building a new eastbound SR 16 off-ramp to Sprague Avenue.
- Building new flyover ramp from northbound I-5 to westbound SR 16 and Sprague Avenue.
- Improving safety with full-width shoulders and new lighting.
- Adding traffic cameras, electronic signs for traveler notification, highway advisory radio transmitters and traffic data collectors to provide real-time traffic information for the Web and 5-1-1.
Project Benefits
When complete this projects provides new lanes, reduced traffic weave and dedicated ramps to Sprague Avenue. The result is improved safety, reduced congestion and increased mobility at the I-5 connection to westbound SR 16.
What is the project timeline?
WSDOT awarded the construction contract ($119.9 million) to Renton-based Guy F. Atkinson Construction, LLC, on Oct. 6, 2008.
Construction started in January 2009. The project is scheduled to be complete in fall of 2011.
This project and two more in the Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program completely rebuild the Nalley Valley interchange. Learn more about the Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $162,718,821
- Existing Funds - $21,008,573
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $183,727,394
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Jon Deffenbacher, Project Engineer
WSDOT Lakewood Project Office
11203 Bridgeport Way SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: 253-589-6100
Project hotlines
1-888-633-4005 Project information
1-800-477-1209 Noise concerns
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