Traffic's about to get even worse in Tacoma - and stay that way for months

TACOMA, Wash. – You think traffic’s bad in Tacoma recently? It’s about to get worse.

The Washington State Department of Transportation announced plans on Wednesday to shut down all but one lane of eastbound Highway 16 in the area near Interstate 5.

WSDOT said the closures will begin “soon” and last through next spring. Lanes will be closed around the clock throughout the project.

The project is part of the ongoing overhaul of I-5 in the area, with the eventual goal of creating carpool lanes through Tacoma. During this phase, workers will begin the process of relocating the path of I-5, connecting to a new northbound bridge that spans I-705 and Highway 7.

WSDOT said expect backups and delays, especially during rush hour.