Lane, ramp closures begin at I-5/SR-16 interchange in Tacoma



TACOMA, Wash. -- Tonight, WSDOT is set to begin work at a known trouble spot for crashes at the I-5 and SR-16 interchange.

Weather has postponed this work, but WSDOT thinks dry conditions today and tomorrow give crews a good change to get the work done on a new permanent alignment along this stretch.

WSDOT hopes this will cut down on some of the ongoing traffic problems over the past few years, especially with big rig crashes. At least eight trucks have lost control in the tighter curved lanes of the construction zone and plowed through the medians in almost the exact same spot. And it usually happens when it's rainy or wet.

Tonight, they're starting work to reopen new ramp connections from eastbound to SR-16 to Southbound I-5 in Tacoma.

There will also be a second traffic shift Saturday to move all southbound I-5 lanes onto a new permanent alignment.

Lanes will start closing on I-5 South at 8 p.m. Thursday. Several exits will also close, including 132 A and B, and westbound SR-16.

There will be detours as well. WSDOT is encouraging drivers to avoid the freeway tonight while crews do the work.

Here's the work and closure timeline from WSDOT:

Thursday, Aug. 15





          6 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16



              Saturday, Aug. 17