Question: “When’s the new connection from Highway 16 to Interstate 5 going to be finished?” -- Randall, University Place
Answer: The entire $75 million project, which is under way in Tacoma’s Nalley Valley, won’t be finished until summer 2014.
But a major milestone is coming later this week, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Crews are nearly finished building the temporary viaduct that will shift traffic from the existing eastbound state Route 16 viaduct onto southbound I-5.
If all goes well, according to Transportation Department spokeswoman Kelly Stowe, eastbound traffic will be shifted onto the new temporary structure on Thursday.
Demolition of the old structure, what’s left of the roadway supported by the distinctive “tetrapod” columns, is set to begin Dec. 17, Stowe said.
Rob Carson: 253-597-8693
rob.carson@thenewstribune.com
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