Traffic updates affecting Pierce County drivers

This collection of articles looks at transportation updates and disruptions to travel routes in Pierce County.

New Tacoma Link stations, such as those in the Hilltop and Stadium districts, attract thousands more passengers. Meanwhile, the idea of a fast-ferry service between Tacoma and Seattle has surfaced to leverage World Cup opportunities. The service would feature electric, passenger-only ferries, expanding transit options.

A damaged bridge on state Route 167 will be partially closed for months, affecting northbound travel. Power line replacements on state Route 512 will cause temporary traffic stops and slowdowns.

Riders exit the Link at the Hilltop stop, on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 1: TACOMA LINK RIDERSHIP HAS GROWN SINCE EXPANSION. HOW HAVE NEW STATIONS FARED?

Opening in September 2023, the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension added 2.4 miles to the city’s 1.8-mile streetcar line. | Published September 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shea Johnson

The introductory slide from Tuesday’s presentation to the Tacoma Port Commission seeking sponsorship support for a proposed fast ferry pilot project tied to the World Cup in 2026.

NO. 2: WOULD YOU TAKE A FAST FERRY FROM TACOMA TO SEATTLE? THE IDEA IS BEING FLOATED

Dreams of bringing fast-ferry service to Tacoma might become reality in a new proposal tied to the World Cup. | Published September 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

NO. 3: ENERGIZE TACOMA STARTED TRANSIT IMPROVEMENT DEBATE. IT’S PAYING OFF | OPINION

At Energize Tacoma, our question has always been: | Published September 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Herschel Wilson

Backups extended for miles following a bridge strike that closed two northbound lanes on state Route 167 near 3rd Avenue, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Pacific, Wash. By Washington State Department of Transportation

NO. 4: 2 LANES OF MAJOR HIGHWAY OUT OF PIERCE COUNTY CLOSED AFTER BRIDGE STRIKE

A bridge strike has shut down two left lanes of northbound state Route 167 at 3rd Avenue Southwest in Pacific until further notice, the Washington State Department of Transportation reported Tuesday evening. | Published September 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

NO. 5: MAJOR PIERCE COUNTY HIGHWAY TO BE PARTIALLY CLOSED FOR MONTHS AFTER BRIDGE HIT

Two lanes of northbound State Route 167 will remain closed for at least several months at 3rd Avenue Southwest in Pacific after a tall commercial vehicle struck the bridge as it was crossing underneath, the Washington State Department of Transportation confirmed on Friday. | Published September 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

NO. 6: POWER LINE REPLACEMENT MEANS TRAFFIC CONGESTION ALONG THIS PIERCE COUNTY HIGHWAY

Work to replace power lines along Washington State Route 512 in Parkland approaching Portland Avenue Thursday night will result in traffic delays and congestion, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. | Published September 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

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