The SR 167 Completion Project in Pierce County is part of the Puget Sound Gateway Program, which also includes the SR 509 Completion Project in King County. Together these projects complete two major unfinished highways in the Puget Sound region to create new connections to Interstate 5, the ports of Tacoma and Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The SR 167 Completion Project constructs 6 new miles of tolled highway between Puyallup and the Port of Tacoma and builds sidewalks and shared-use paths for non-motorized travelers. Completing this unfinished highway will greatly benefit the movement of freight, improve safety and reduce congestion on local roads and highways in the surrounding area.
Timeline
2015-2028
Project status
Construction
Funding
$2.38 billion funds both the SR 167 Completion Project in Pierce County and the SR 509 Completion Project in King County
Construction on Stage 1b began in summer 2022. Throughout construction, drivers on I-5, SR 99, SR 509, 12th Street East and 70th Avenue East can expect roadway and lane closures, rolling slowdowns, traffic shifts, and occasional uneven and rough surfaces.
In late spring 2023, construction crews will test the use of orange contrast striping on I-5 to help drivers visualize lane lines while traveling through work zones and to increase safety as construction crews work in the I-5 median.
The SR 167 Completion Project will close a crucial gap in the state's highway system by completing the unfinished SR 167 between Puyallup and the Port of Tacoma. The new four-lane highway will be called an expressway and will be electronically tolled (no tollbooths) at 2 toll points - one west of I-5 and the other east of I-5.
Puget Sound Gateway Program: Combining SR 167 and SR 509 completion projects
The SR 167 Completion Project in Pierce County, and the SR 509 Completion Project in King County are jointly funded and managed under the Puget Sound Gateway Program. Combining these large projects maximizes efficiencies in planning, environmental review, design, and construction.
SR 167 Completion Project benefits:
Freight connections. Completes critical freight links between the Port of Tacoma and the manufacturing and industrial areas in Pierce County.
Regional mobility. Reduces congestion on local roads and highways by providing improved east-west travel.
Multimodal connections. Connects walking/biking trails, including the Interurban Trail.
Environmental enhancements. Restores wildlife and aquatic habitat, reduces flooding, improves water quality, and provides access to local pedestrian trails.
Regional job and economic growth. Supports regional job growth and economic growth associated with the state's two largest ports.
Intelligent transportation. Electronic tolling on the route will manage congestion, which improves safety and reliability for all users.
Three construction stages for the SR 167 Completion Project 2020-2028
This map shows the three construction stages of the SR 167 Completion Project. Stage 1a is shown
in orange, Stage 1b is highlighted in blue, and Stage 2 is shown in magenta.
First stage of construction (Stage 1a) - Complete
As part of the SR 167/70th Avenue East Bridge Replacement Project, WSDOT completed a new four-lane bridge over I-5 in Fife, a new multi-lane roundabout connecting the bridge SR 99, 400 feet of the Interurban Trail and a new trail parking lot. In June 2021, the new Wapato Way East Bridge opened, replacing the existing 70th Avenue East Bridge. This video explains how the new bridge makes the future SR 167 possible.
The Wapato Way East Bridge and connecting SR 99 roundabout opened in June 2021. The protected
shared-use path on the right side of the bridge connects to the Interurban Trail and will connect
to a future trail WSDOT will build adjacent to the new SR 167 between Fife and Tacoma.
Second stage of construction (Stage 1b) - In progress
Construction began in summer 2022. Named the SR 167/I-5 to SR 509 New Expressway Project, this stage of development includes:
A new 2-mile highway that will link I-5 to SR 509 near the Port of Tacoma.
A new diverging diamond interchange (DDI) over I-5 connecting the interstate to the future SR 167 Expressway.
Approximately 150 acres of wetland and stream restoration and improvements.
New interchanges at I-5, 54th Avenue East and the connections to SR 509.
New sidewalks and a widening of SR 99 from the new roundabout through the existing 70th Avenue East intersection.
A new 2.5 mile shared-use path from SR 99 to Alexander Avenue East.
Third and final stage of construction (Stage 2) - 2026-2028
The new Wapato Way East Bridge in Fife and connecting SR 99 roundabout opened in June 2021.
This stage of construction is complete.
SR 167 Completion Project, Stage 1b
Stage 1b of the SR 167 completion project will begin construction of the new SR 167, I-5
to SR 509 Expressway, and demolish the old 70th Avenue Bridge to make room for a
new interchange.
Environmental highlight: SR 167 Completion Project Riparian Restoration Program
As part of the SR 167/I-5 to SR 509 New Expressway Project (Stage 1b) WSDOT has a unique opportunity to create greater environmental benefits than i would using traditional mitigation methods. The Riparian Restoration Program will revitalize approximately 150 acres of wetlands, remove invasive vegetation, plant tens of thousands of native plants and encourage the return of animal life with natural barriers near improved streams. The project re-channels Hylebos Creek away from I-5 which will help improve water quality, restore healthy fish populations and alleviate chronic flooding on I-5.
The light green area in the image above shows the large area of wetland that will be restored. The Riparian Restoration Project will
improve wildlife and aquatic habitat, reduce flooding and improve water quality. For context, this
area is larger than 110 football fields.
SR 167 Project video
WSDOT's SR 167 Completion Project introduction video can be found here. (YouTube)
