Three-week closure of Tacoma intersection starts May 4

East L Street at East 27th Street/East Wiley Street intersection closed for sidewalk and bridge work

TACOMA – Travelers headed to the Tacoma Dome or LeMay America’s Car Museum using East 27th Street and East Wiley Street will want to plan for extra travel time.

Guy F. Atkinson Construction, working for the Washington State Department of Transportation, will close the intersection of East 27th Street and East L Street at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, through 5 p.m. on Friday, May 27.

During the around-the-clock closure, crews will build sidewalks and curbs, install lighting and connect East 27th Street to align with the new East L Street bridge that spans Interstate 5.

A signed detour (PDF 1MB) will be in place using East Portland Avenue to Puyallup Avenue to East D Street and McKinley Way. Drivers can also use East N Street, East 26th Street and East L Street to Puyallup Avenue.

Crews will reopen the intersection for the Memorial Day weekend. Any additional closure time needed to finish the work will be announced in the coming weeks.

The new East L Street bridge is part of a project that widens I-5 and builds high occupancy vehicle lanes in Tacoma. Crews anticipate opening the new bridge to travelers this summer.

Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT statewide travel map, the WSDOT app and WSDOT regional Twitter account.

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.