Highway construction will cause traffic, delays in Puyallup this weekend
Crews have started closing lanes on state Route 167 and North Meridian Avenue in preparation for a new interchange, according to a news release from the Washington Department of Transportation.
“[Crews] must move highway ramps and build a bypass on North Meridian Avenue to create a work zone,” the release said. “Although the bypass won’t be in place until Oct. 4, contractor crews will begin closing lanes on State Route 167 and North Meridian Avenue the nights of Thursday, Sept. 25 and Friday, Sept. 26 to prepare the road for the shift. In addition, all lanes of the North Levee Road loop ramp near North Meridian Avenue will be closed overnight on Friday, Sept. 26.”
The closure schedule is listed below.
Thursday, Sept. 25 to the morning of Friday, Sept. 26.
- 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Left lane closure on northbound North Meridian Avenue.
- 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Left lane closure on southbound North Meridian Avenue.
- 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Right lane closure on southbound SR 167 to southbound North Meridian Avenue. When lanes reopen Friday, Sept. 26, travelers will be on newly paved ramps.
- 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Left lane closure on southbound SR 167 to northbound North Meridian Avenue.
Friday, Sept. 26 to the morning of Saturday, Sept. 27
- 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. – Left lane closure on northbound North Meridian Avenue.
- 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. – Left lane closure on southbound North Meridian Avenue.
- 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. – Right lane closure on southbound SR 167 to northbound North Meridian Avenue.
- 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. – All lanes on the North Levee Road loop that merges onto northbound SR 167 will be closed. Signed detours will be in place. When lanes reopen Saturday, travelers will have a dedicated on-ramp to northbound SR 167.
“This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled,” the release said. “People are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time through the intersection and drive with caution while driving around the work zone.”
What is the State Route 167 Completion Project?
The State Route 167 Completion Project will build six miles of new, tolled highway between Puyallup and Tacoma. Crews will complete the work in stages.
- Stage 1: Completed the new Wapato Way East bridge and SR 99 roundabout in Fife. This stage is done.
- Stage 2: Creates an expressway between I-5 and the Port of Tacoma. This expressway is scheduled to open in 2026.
- Stage 3: This stage involves work between State Route 161/North Meridian Avenue and State Route 410. Work began earlier in 2025.
- Stage 4: Construction between North Meridian Avenue and Interstate 5. Work is expected to start in 2026.
The entire project is expected to be completed by 2030, the release said.
To see photos of the project, visit WSDOT’s page at flickr.com/photos/wsdot/collections/72157720080225531/.
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
