September update: Bridge girders installed; additional work ahead

During the last weekend in August, WSDOT’s design-build contractor Atkinson Construction lifted ten supersized bridge girders across Interstate 5 and placed them safely atop the new 70th Avenue East Bridge supports. The girders need additional alignment work before being cast in their permanent positions. These types of adjustments are not uncommon in bridge construction and we want to assure the public that traveling I-5 under the new bridge in Fife is safe.

As previously planned, continued bridge construction work will require occasional lane closures on I-5 near the new Fife bridge.  Stay up to date with the WSDOT app and follow WSDOT on Twitter @wsdot_tacoma.

SR 99 roundabout

Construction is also moving forward on the new roundabout that will eventually take drivers between SR 99 and the new 70th Avenue Bridge. In the coming weeks, there will be utility and paving work. Drivers should expect intermittent lane closures on SR 99. The next construction milestone comes when northbound SR 99 traffic shifts to the roundabout so crews can construct the southbound lanes of the roundabout.

New! View real-time construction cameras and 360° views

                View real-time construction cameras.                                              View 360° interactive views (updated monthly)

About the SR 167/70th Avenue East Bridge project

The SR 167 / 70th Avenue Bridge project is part of a larger effort to complete SR 167 and improve connections to I-5 and the Port of Tacoma. The new four-lane bridge replaces a two-lane bridge and provides a 12-foot wide path for pedestrians and bicycles. WSDOT will remove the existing 70th Avenue East bridge as part of the next stage of construction. The project also includes a new roundabout at the 70th Avenue East/SR 99 intersection, a new Interurban Trail parking lot and several hundred feet of new trail.

Construction Timeline

Spring 2020

Work started on the new 70th Ave East Bridge and nearby roundabout.

Summer 2020/Fall 2020

Construction started on the new Interurban Trail parking lot and trail.

Bridge and SR 99 roundabout construction continues.  Northbound traffic shifts to the new roundabout in late summer/early fall while work continues on southbound roundabout connections.

Fall 2020 – Summer 2021

Bridge construction continues along with work on the roads leading to and from the bridge. The Interurban Trail and parking lot should be completed. 

Summer 2021

The new 70^th Avenue East Bridge and SR 99 roundabout open to traffic.

For specific information about planned lane and road closures, visit WSDOT Pierce County Construction.

Learn more about roundabouts.