New I-5 off-ramp onto Tacoma Mall Boulevard proposed to alleviate traffic congestion
A new off-ramp from southbound Interstate 5 could be coming near the Tacoma Mall.
A feasibility study completed in September by the state Department of Transportation in partnership with the city of Tacoma determined an off-ramp onto Tacoma Mall Boulevard would be best to help alleviate traffic in the area.
The ramp would split from the current southbound exit underneath 38th Street and cross over the southbound I-5 on-ramp, according to a conceptual map. Actual alignments have not yet been determined.
The ramp would cost between and $18 million and $24 million, the study estimated.
While the city of Tacoma doesn’t expect to secure funding right away, it’s asking for $650,000 in its Legislative Agenda for an Access Revision Report, the next step to gain approval from the Federal Highway Administration.
Once funding is obtained, Access Revision Reports typically take about a year to complete, said Dennis Engle, DOT multimodal planning manager. Right-of-way acquisition and design would follow.
Safety concerns and clogged roads have plagued drivers at the intersections of Tacoma Mall Boulevard, I-5 and 38th Street for years.
“That’s a pretty congested area,” Engle said.
In May 2015, the city completed a Tacoma Mall Neighborhood Subarea Plan, which mentions a potential I-5 access ramp.
“Many of these vehicles would otherwise be traveling through the Steele St. and S. 38th St. intersection, so the direct access ramp will substantially reduce traffic congestion and improve (level of service) for buses, trucks and autos,” the plan states.
The study started in fall 2018 and looked at 30 different options but decided the off-ramp was the most consistent with the subarea plan. Four stakeholder meetings were held throughout the year to gather input.
The city is also considering an option for an on-ramp to southbound I-5 near South 48th Street, estimated to cost between $35 million and $50 million.
