Project news

• As early as Monday, April 26, the intersection at the eastbound SR 512 ramp to SR 161 will be temporarily controlled by law enforcement while crews activate the new signal. Travelers may see minor delays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Once activated, a second right turn lane from eastbound SR 512 to SR 161 will open. This intersection will be controlled by the new signal.
• Final lane striping is expected to occur on the project sometime in May. Warm overnight temperatures are needed for this work.
• Work will begin March 15, 2021.
• Closure hours for eastbound SR 512 exit to SR 161 are weeknights Monday through Thursday, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each following day, and on Friday from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday.
• Lane closures on 31st Avenue (SR 161) are weeknights Monday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each following day, and on Friday from 11:59 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday.

Needs & benefits

Travelers who use the interchange of SR 161 and SR 512 in Puyallup experience regular congestion during peak commute hours. This project adds a new signal and an additional right turn lane to the eastbound SR 512 exit to SR 161. It will also restripe the SR 161/31st Avenue Southwest overpass to extend the right turn lane to westbound SR 512. This will allow more vehicles to use the turn lane. This project is implementing some of the short term improvement strategies identified in the SR 161 - 31st Avenue SW Corridor Study, conducted by the city of Puyallup and WSDOT.

The study used a practical solutions approach to help identify ways to reduce congestion and improve traffic operations at this interchange.

Timeline

• May 2020 - Project awarded to Tucci & Sons Inc.
• Construction was temporarily suspended while procurement took place for signal poles.
• Work is expected to resume in March 2021. The paving window begins in April 2021.
• Summer 2021 - Project completion