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These I-5 adjustments in Tacoma could make you miss your exit

By KIRO 7 News Staff
By KIRO 7 News Staff

The Washington State Department of Transportation has made some major changes in the southbound lanes of I-5 near the Tacoma Dome – an area rated one of the worst traffic crawls in the nation.

Last week, newly built NB I-5 lanes opened during an early morning commute, creating confusion and subsequent delays for drivers. Now, Washington State Department of Transportation is starting an even bigger shift, this time to southbound traffic.

Drivers are at risk of missing their exit to downtown Tacoma, Highway 16, and the Tacoma Mall. Here's what to know now:

Why all the construction?

The state is creating a dedicated and separated two-lane road for people using downtown Tacoma exits, including the exit to Highway 16 and to South 38th. Three lanes will continue for through traffic.

What should I know about southbound construction?

When you drive southbound I-5 through Tacoma on Wednesday, you are going to be seeing a much different freeway. There is going to be a Jersey barrier dividing the freeway, starting near Portland Avenue.

“If you’re going to be heading to I-705, SR 7, SR 16 or even 38th Street, you are going to need to plan ahead and think about what lane you need to be in much sooner than you normally would,” Cara Mitchell with the Washington State Department of Transportation told KIRO Radio.

That’s 2 or 3 miles earlier than you normally would need to get ready to the exit. Currently, drivers can zip past the Tacoma Dome and then merge right to get to Highway 16. But now drivers will have to be in one of those two far right lanes before Portland Avenue where the Jersey barrier will divide the freeway. Drivers should really get over by Port of Tacoma Road to make sure you don’t miss your exit.

“They will miss their exit and they will have to get off at 56th and turn back around,” Mitchell said.  “That’s not the end of the world, but we want to get the word out to plan ahead so they don’t have to do that.”

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How can I plan ahead?

In preparation for the shift, a series of overnight lane and ramp closures will occur over the week of July 10. Detours will be provided for all ramp closures. You can read all ramp closures here.

Didn’t something just happen with northbound lanes?

Last week, new lanes opened over I-705, where a new northbound bridge is under construction for that interstate.

The transition is part of the Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) ongoing HOV project through this part of the South Sound.

Drivers are asked to plan ahead and be prepared for some confusion as commuters adjust to the new configuration.

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