With traffic flowing smoothly over the Tacoma Narrows thanks to the new bridge, the state and the City of Tacoma agreed this week that the HOV-only designation on the Jackson Avenue ramp to westbound Highway 16 is no longer necessary.

Starting Monday, all vehicles can use the onramp.

The HOV-only restriction has been in effect weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m. The state implemented it in 1997 at the request of the Tacoma City Council to alleviate backups that stretched into the neighborhood. DOT officials say it was not uncommon for hundreds of cars to back up at the ramp, blocking local residents from pulling out of their driveways.

Last month, the West End Neighborhood Council voted unanimously to recommend that the city lift the restriction now that the bridge project is complete and traffic is moving so efficiently. The City Council adopted the recommendation on a 9-0 vote Tuesday.

Hunter T. George, The News Tribune