2024 transportation infrastructure updates in Pierce County

Pierce County commuters have experienced a transformative year marked by transportation infrastructure projects. The installation of roundabouts on key routes like state Route 410 reflects a broader trend. Efforts to improve traffic include the SR 167 Completion Project, which will help drivers travel between the port and major highways. Meanwhile, cities such as Edgewood are laying groundwork through studies to address long-term transportation needs, although financing remains a significant hurdle.

Additionally, debates over funding mechanisms, such as proposed sales tax increases for road maintenance, highlight ongoing challenges in balancing infrastructure upgrades with fiscal constraints amid changing commuter needs.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Orange test stripes have been added to the traffic lanes through the construction site along Interstate 5 through Fife, Washington, shown on Thursday, June 8, 2023. The pilot project is designed to see if the colored stripes will improve freeway driver and construction worker safety. By Tony Overman

NO. 1: FIRST TO THE RIGHT, NOW TO THE LEFT AS I-5 LANES THROUGH FIFE CHANGE AGAIN

The construction is for two new bridges over Hylebos Creek. | Published January 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

Aerial views show the new Wapato Way East Bridge over I-5 in Fife, opening to drivers on Monday, June 28, 2021. By WSDOT

NO. 2: PREPARE FOR TWO NIGHTS OF I-5 LANE CLOSURES AS CREWS CREATE ‘BRIDGE TO NOWHERE’

It’s all part of a major construction project. | Published June 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

The Nyholm Windmill, on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Edgewood, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 3: THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES USE THIS BUSY ROAD. A PIERCE COUNTY CITY HAS PLANS TO IMPROVE IT

The city estimates the cost to complete the project at about $124.7 million. | Published September 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angelica Relente

Construction crews work on a roundabout at State Route 410 and 224th Avenue E., on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Bonney Lake, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 4: STATE ROUTE 410 DRIVERS: EXPECT WEEKS OF DELAYS DURING ROUNDABOUT CONSTRUCTION WORK

“Traffic congestion and delays are expected due to lane reductions, lane shifts, and a lower speed limit,” the city wrote. “Please allow more time for travel or take alternate routes during the work.” | Published October 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alexis Krell

City staff gave the Puyallup City Council a presentation on Oct. 8, 2024 about the city’s streets and a proposed transportation benefit district that would help maintain them.

NO. 5: PUYALLUP DRIVERS AREN’T HAPPY WITH THEIR STREETS. HERE’S WHAT THE CITY IS DOING ABOUT IT

Raising $3 million a year would help take care of the city’s streets. | Published November 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alexis Krell

Construction works make progress on a bridge to connect the new toll road to SR 509, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 6: PARTS OF TOLL ROAD LINKING PORT TO I-5 ARE NEARLY FINISHED. HERE’S WHEN IT’S SET TO OPEN

Drivers on state Route 509 will soon see a shift in their commute. | Published December 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

This map shows the routes under consideration for the Tacoma Dome Link Extension as it approaches the Freighthouse Square area. By Courtesy

NO. 7: IF SOUND TRANSIT GETS ITS WAY, THE LIGHT RAIL FROM FEDERAL WAY WILL STOP HERE IN TACOMA

The preferred Link route through south Federal Way and Fife still has not be identified. A comment period will soon open. | Published December 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.