The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is gearing up for its summer construction season, a busy time that brings both progress and challenges for commuters across the state. This season, WSDOT is tackling a range of projects, from bridge work to road improvements, which will inevitably lead to road closures, lane restrictions, and detours. Here's a breakdown of some of the key projects and their potential impact on drivers.
I-405 Between Bothell and Renton
WSDOT is set to undertake numerous projects along I-405 between Bothell and Renton, with most of the work wrapping up by Thursday, July 2. These projects will involve lane restrictions and ramp closures, with detours in place. The projects start light in the north and build as you travel southbound, so drivers are advised to check their maps before hitting the road to avoid any surprises.
Bridge Work on I-5, SR 509, and SR 99 in Pierce County
Starting Monday, June 29, WSDOT will be closing multiple lanes of I-5 and SR 99 in Fife for bridge work. Additionally, crews will close lanes on SR 509 in Tacoma to install highway sign structures and overhead signs. These closures will impact both northbound and southbound traffic, with specific lane closures and detours in place.
I-5 Lane Closures
From 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Monday, June 29, to Wednesday, July 1, up to three northbound I-5 lanes will close nightly from 54th Avenue E. to Porter Way. Two lanes will remain open. Similarly, up to three southbound lanes will be closed for the same stretch of highway, from 11 p.m. to 5:15 a.m. Monday through Wednesday. From Wednesday, July 1, through Thursday, July 2, up to four lanes of southbound I-5 from Porter Way to 54th Avenue E. will close from 11:59 p.m. until 4:45 a.m., with one lane remaining open.
SR 509 Lane Closure
One lane of northbound and southbound SR 509 will close nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. at Portland Avenue E. to Alexander Avenue E. starting Tuesday, June 30, to Thursday, July 2. One lane will remain open throughout this period.
SR 99 Lane Closure
One lane of northbound SR 99 will close daily from the SR 99/Wapato Way E. roundabout to 70th Avenue E. starting Wednesday, July 1, through Thursday afternoon, July 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. One lane will remain open, and this short closure is unlikely to cause major delays.
SR 167 Completion Project
The SR 167 completion project is a significant undertaking, aiming to build six miles of new tolled highway between Puyallup and the Port of Tacoma. The project is being completed in stages, with the first stage already finished, including the Wapato Way E. bridge and SR 99 roundabout in Fife. The second stage, which will build the expressway between I-5 and the Port of Tacoma, is scheduled to open in September. Work on the third stage, between SR 161/N. Meridian Avenue and SR 410, began in 2025, and construction of the last stage between N. Meridian Avenue and I-5 is set to start in July. The entire project is on track for completion by 2030.
SR 522 in Kenmore
Sound Transit crews will continue work on the Bus Rapid Transit Line in Kenmore this week. This will involve closing the two right lanes of eastbound and westbound SR 522 at 68th Avenue N.E., 61st Avenue N.E., and 73rd Avenue N.E. from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, June 29, to Friday, July 3.
SR 702 in McKenna
WSDOT is preparing a work zone on SR 702 about one mile east of the SR 507 interchange this week. The planned work will build a roundabout at the intersection of SR 702 and Harts Lake Road near McKenna. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, June 29-July 2, travelers will encounter single-lane alternating traffic at the intersection. Starting as early as Monday, July 6, the speed limit on SR 702 will be temporarily reduced from 45 mph to 25 mph between mileposts 0.53 and 0.63, with temporary traffic lights and single-lane alternating traffic around the clock.
These projects, while necessary for infrastructure maintenance and improvement, will undoubtedly cause disruptions for commuters. It's essential for drivers to plan their routes and be aware of the changes to navigate the roads effectively during this busy construction season. As an expert commentator, I find it fascinating to see how these projects are carefully scheduled to minimize the impact on traffic, but it also highlights the challenges of managing infrastructure development in a busy urban environment.
