Project news

• This project is complete. The I-5 and SR 16 HOV connections are open.  This video shows travelers how the connections work.
• Construction photos can be found on the WSDOT Flickr account.
• Learn about this project's recycling program at the WSDOT Blog.

Why is WSDOT building HOV roadways and HOV direct-access ramps as part of a newly-expanded I-5/SR 16 Nalley Valley interchange? 
To increase safety, improve mobility and reduce congestion, WSDOT rebuilt the entire I-5/SR 16 Nalley Valley interchange. The original Nalley Valley interchange was too narrow to carry additional lanes and the unique structure-type prevented widening.

Reconstruction of the interchange was staged to keep people and goods moving. The first two stages of work rebuilt the westbound and eastbound Nalley Valley viaduct bridges. The last stage could not be built until the other two were complete.

The new westbound viaduct and associated westbound ramps opened to traffic in June, 2011.  Eastbound construction reached its last major milestone August, 2014 when crews opened two new ramps from South Sprague Avenue to northbound and southbound Interstate 5.

In the third project, WSDOT built new HOV bridges and ramps, and rebuilt and realigned northbound and southbound I-5 approaching SR 16.

This project is one of several that make up a larger program to reduce congestion, improve safety and add HOV lanes in Pierce County. Learn more about the overall Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program.

The End Result
The HOV Connector project built new bridge structures and direct-access ramps to connect I-5 HOV lanes to SR 16 HOV lanes. These structures are limited solely to HOV traffic, 

Needs & benefits

The HOV Connector project has numerous benefits, including:

Traffic Operations

• Built direct-access HOV ramps connecting I-5 HOV lanes with SR 16 HOV lanes
• Added capacity and improved traffic flow
• Reduces conflicting movements and weaving areas

Environmental

• Improved stormwater treatment

Safety

• Widened shoulders
• Improved lighting
• Improved ramp alignments and curves

Timeline

• Late 2015 - Request for qualifications.
• Early 2016 - Request for proposals.
• Mid 2016 - Design-build contract awarded to Skanska and WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff design build team.
• Winter 2017 - Begin construction.
• Late 2019 - Project operationally complete.HOV facilities at I-5/SR 16 interchange open to HOV travelers.

Funding

Financial Data for PIN 300566A
Funding Source Amount ($ in thousands)

• 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) - $161,017
• Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) - $123
• Total - $161,141