Tacoma drivers: Expect overnight delays today as crews close a busy intersection
Tacoma drivers should prepare for nighttime delays at a busy intersection.
According to a news release from the City of Tacoma, the intersection of 6th Avenue and Sprague Avenue will be closed during the following times:
- Thursday, May 14 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for pavement grinding.
- Monday, May 18 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for roadway paving.
Detours will give drivers directions for getting around the intersection, the release said.
The work is connected to the 6th Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Safety Improvements project, a $6.6 million project to add needed safety improvements “at selected intersections along the 6th Avenue corridor between Jackson Avenue and Grant Avenue.”
Jon Kulju, city project manager, told The News Tribune the paving was originally scheduled for Friday, May 15, but was rescheduled for Monday because of weather conditions.
Crews will be working on the street the week of Monday, June 1 for final roadway striping, Kulju said. It won’t be closed, but there will be a lane closure.
The News Tribune asked Kulju what dates the work will happen during the week of June 1, and he said it depends on the crew’s progress, but drivers should expect it until June 7 to be safe.
What is this project?
According to the release, the project adds safety improvements to the area, including “signal system upgrades, retroreflective backplates, flashing yellow arrow signal heads, countdown pedestrian signals, audible pedestrian push buttons and rectangular rapid flashing beacons.”
“The project also includes improved signal timing for traffic flow and medians and/or bulb-outs to reduce pedestrian crossing distance at selected intersections,” the release said.
The costs of the $6.6 million project break down like this:
- $5.6 million for construction
- $530,280 for design
- $426,124 for right of way
The funding comes from a variety of sources:
- $3.4 million from the Tacoma Streets Initiative
- $3 million from a Highway Safety Improvement Program grant
- $980,644 from real estate excise tax
- $139,211 from active transportation
