Planning study news
We are developing an implementation plan for SR 167 that builds on the SR 167 Master Plan, completed in June 2023. This summer, our team will be at fairs and festivals in the south end to share updates on the process.
Purpose
Aligned with the SR 167 Master Plan Planning and Environmental Study, the purpose of the SR 167 Master Plan process was to identify transportation solutions intended to facilitate the movement of people who travel on and across SR 167 as well as the movement of goods that support economic vitality. The ultimate goal is for travel along and across the SR 167 corridor to be connected, resilient and reliable.
The current phase of work, the SR 167 Implementation Plan, builds on that effort by further analyzing projects identified in the Master Plan. In collaboration with partner agencies, we are identifying an initial package or packages of projects and associated funding needs for consideration by the Legislature.
Why do we need the SR 167 Implementation Plan?
The SR 167 corridor runs through one of the fastest growing areas in the state and serves diverse communities with a wide range of social and economic backgrounds, businesses, and employment opportunities. As population and employment have grown, demand for travel along the SR 167 corridor has increased.
Today, the corridor experiences significant traffic congestion. Prior to the pandemic, rapid growth in transit ridership led to crowding on some routes and at many park-and-ride facilities. Low-density development patterns and gaps in the non-motorized network mean driving remains the most practical travel option for many trips.
Looking ahead, the relative affordability of South King and East Pierce counties is expected to continue fueling housing and employment growth. Historically, development along the corridor has included a mix of single-family neighborhoods and multifamily communities. Business development has included a mix of service, industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse uses. In recent years, more housing, shops, offices, and other developments have been built in concentrated areas and along major roads near the SR 167 corridor.
The increased density and mix of uses along the corridor create new opportunities for people to take transit, walk, bike, and roll. By making smart transportation investments, we can give people more travel choices and incorporate new transportation technologies.
SR 167 Implementation Plan overview
The SR 167 Implementation Plan is the next step following adoption of the SR 167 Master Plan in 2023, which identified multimodal transportation needs and strategies along the corridor. With the Master Plan complete and funding for the Implementation Plan secured, we are now focused on analyzing the 15 WSDOT projects identified in the Master Plan.
We are working with partner agencies to identify an initial package or packages of projects and associated funding needs for consideration by the Legislature. The effort is being guided through a series of four workshops with participation by the SR 167 Equity Advisory Committee and agency partners. Our program will submit a final report to the Legislature in December 2026, concluding the Implementation Plan process.