Construction begins on the SR 167 Completion Project from I-5 in Fife to the Port of Tacoma

I-5 reduced to one lane overnight through Fife early next week 

UPDATE: The lane closures originally scheduled for Tuesday, July 26 have been rescheduled to Friday, July 29 after contractor crews identified necessary prep work. Contractor crews will close and shift lanes between 9 p.m. Friday, July 29, and 9 a.m. Saturday, July 30.

FIFE – For two nights next week, drivers traveling overnight on Interstate 5 through Fife will need to plan for delays or alternate routes while crews set up a work zone and install temporary striping on I-5 for the next stage of the SR 167 Completion Project.

On July 8, WSDOT and local partners broke ground on the SR 167, I-5 to SR 509 New Expressway project (Stage 1b) between I-5 in Fife and State Route 509 near the Port of Tacoma. Two weeks later, construction is underway with crews setting up the work zone along I-5 between Wapato Way East and Porter Way in Fife between mileposts 136 and 139.

At 7 p.m. on Monday, July 25 crews will close four of the five northbound lanes on I-5 followed by the 54th Avenue East northbound on-ramp at 10 p.m. The lanes and ramp will reopen at 4:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 26. At 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday crews will repeat this work on southbound I-5, opening by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27.

Drivers are advised to slow down in the work zones and obey all traffic control directions.

Reduced lane widths and a speed advisory will be in place while crews work to replace the bridge over Hylebos Creek.

As part of the project, crews working for WSDOT will re-route Hylebos Creek to improve the floodplain surrounding this section of I-5 in Fife that often experiences over-the-highway flooding during storms. 

Driver tips

  • Delay or reschedule discretionary trips during overnight hours Monday, July 25 and Tuesday, July 26.
  • Know before you go; check the WSDOT app, and follow wsdot on twitter @wsdot_tacoma

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.