Overview
This project is the first part of a series of projects to reduce congestion, improve safety and add HOV lanes in Pierce County. In this first contract, crews focused on widening, seismic upgrades and ground improvements to prepare for future projects that will ultimately help improve traffic flow on I-5 through Tacoma.

Project series:

• I-5 SR 16 Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program
• I-5 Portland Avenue to Port of Tacoma Road - Northbound HOV
• I-5 Portland Avenue to Port of Tacoma Road - Southbound HOV
• I-5 M Street to Portland Avenue - HOV

How you benefit

Improves safety
The I-5 bridges at Portland Avenue and Bay Street now meet current earthquake standards.

Relieves congestion
Traffic cameras and sensors were installed at strategic locations to inform travelers of traffic conditions on electronic signs, highway advisory radio broadcast transmitters, local television stations and the Web.

Protects environment
Ground improvements were made in preparation for future Puyallup River Bridge piers, including building temporary erosion and sediment control ponds and constructing earth embankments.