Welcome to the SR 167 / 70th Avenue Bridge construction page! We’ll update this page frequently as construction progresses.
Updated February 2020
Crews have begun installing construction fencing and stormwater management systems around the work zone (in orange on the map below) near SR 99. They will continue this activity along I-5 through early February. Beginning in mid-February, crews will clear and grade along SR 99 and the new bridge’s footprint, to the west of the existing 70th Avenue East bridge. This work will allow the contractor to begin pile driving the foundations for the new bridge, which is scheduled to start in April.
Drivers should expect to see trucks entering and exiting the work zone and crews working next to SR 99 and I-5.
Updated January 2020
Join us for an open house to learn more about construction and meet the project team: 6 to 8 p.m.,Thursday, Feb.27 at the Fife Community Center. We’ll share our schedule and highlight our plans to keep people moving on SR 99 and I-5 during construction.
To hear about upcoming construction activities or to leave a message for our construction team, call our project hotline at 253-303-6800.
Work on the SR 167/70th Avenue East bridge replacement project begins in February 2020 and will take approximately 18 months to complete. Crews will be out testing pavement and collecting soil samples in January. Be prepared for periodic short-term lane closures during the day on SR 99 between 62nd Avenue East and 70th Avenue East and on 70th Avenue East near 20th Street East.
WSDOT is replacing the existing two-lane bridge with a new four-lane bridge just west of its current location. The new bridge 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.
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.
Winter 2020
Work is scheduled to begin in February with clearing and grading for the new bridge abutments and a new roundabout.
Spring 2020
Construction of bridge abutments and the roundabout will continue. Construction on the new interurban trail parking lot and trail will begin.
What drivers should expect
On SR 99, at least one lane will be open in each direction during the daytime. Two lanes will be open in the dominant direction during peak hours (northbound in the mornings, southbound in the evenings).
Summer 2020
Bridge and roundabout construction will continue, and support structures will be set so the bridge can span I-5.
What drivers should expect
There will be brief full closures of I-5, most likely in July or August. The closures will occur over a weekend or two or at night. Periodic nighttime lane closures on I-5 may also be necessary.
On SR 99, northbound traffic will shift to the new roundabout by the end of summer.
Fall 2020 – Winter 2021
Bridge construction will continue with work on the bridge deck and roadway leading onto the bridge. The Interurban trail and parking lot will be completed.
What drivers should expect
Periodic nighttime lane closures on I-5 may be necessary.
Spring – Summer 2021
Crews will complete connections to the SR 99 roundabout and open the roundabout and bridge to traffic. Full completion is expected in July of 2021.
What drivers should expect
There will be lane closures on SR 99 while crews make connections to the new roundabout.
All traffic will be directed into the new roundabout and drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can cross the new bridge!
For specific information about planned lane and road closures, visit WSDOT Pierce County Construction.
Learn more about roundabouts.
