Expect long PM commutes until further notice on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge

GIG HARBOR, Wash. — Drivers who use the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (SR 16) to Gig Harbor should expect longer nighttime commutes due to construction work.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has been doing construction work on the aging structure.

WSDOT said earlier this month that they need to replace old joint expansions on the bridge.

The westbound span across the water is 76 years old, and it is in desperate need of repairs. Regular SR 16 drivers have been caught up in emergency repairs for years as the span continues to break down and show its age.

The worst spots are the four massive expansion joints on either end of the bridge, right where the towers are located. Eight major emergency repairs have been needed at the joints since 2024.

In an update on Oct. 26, WSDOT said that the worst part of the old joint has been removed.

However, WSDOT is prepping the area to install the new piece.

WSDOT says during that time, drivers should expect longer-than-normal nighttime commutes on the bridge.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge join repairs A deteriorating section of a bridge joint on the 1950 westbound span is hoisted out of place during repairs on Oct. 25, 2026. After the old section is removed, it will be replaced with a new piece.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge join repairs Bolts removed from a deteriorating section of an aging joint on the 1950 bridge near the Tacoma side of the Narrows during repairs on Oct. 24, 2026.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge join repairs Bridge maintenance crew members attach chains to a steel plate fastened to a deteriorating portion of a bridge joint near the Tacoma side of the Narrows during repairs on Oct. 24, 2026. The chains and plate will be used to hoist a portion of the joint from the bridge deck.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge join repairs Support structures of the 1950 bridge are visible after a portion of a deteriorating joint was removed from the bridge deck during repairs on Oct. 25, 2026.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge join repairs Support structures and the water below are visible from the deck of the 1950 bridge after a deteriorating portion of a joint was removed near the Tacoma side of the Narrows during repairs on Oct. 25, 2026.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge join repairs A detailed description of the location, age and recent repairs of the large expansion joints on the westbound State Route 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge to Gig Harbor as of Oct. 24, 2026.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge join repairs Bridge maintenance crew members prepare to remove a deteriorating section of a joint near the Tacoma side of the Narrows during repairs on Oct. 24, 2026.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge join repairs A safety rail helps protect maintenance crew members working above and below the deck of the 1950 bridge during joint repairs on Oct. 25, 2026. A crew member is visible working underneath the bridge deck, more than 187 feet above the water.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge join repairs Bridge maintenance crew members fastening steel plates to a deteriorating section of a bridge joint near the Tacoma side of the Narrows during repairs on Oct. 24, 2026. The plates will be used to help lift the heavy steel joint from the bridge deck.

If you’re able to avoid taking the bridge, WSDOT advises that you should.