Anticipation has been building for a more direct route between I-5 in Fife and the Port of Tacoma.
The first section of the SR 167 Expressway is set to open by 9 a.m. Sunday, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
The 2-mile stretch, running between I-5 in Fife and SR 509 near the Port of Tacoma, is part of the SR 167 Completion Project. The greater effort will add 6 miles of new highway between SR 410 near Puyallup and SR 509 in Tacoma, on Puyallup Tribe of Indians land, under WSDOT's $2.83 billion Puget Sound Gateway Program.
"Our people have lived and worked on this land since time immemorial," Puyallup Tribe Chairman Bill Sterud stated. "Completing SR 167 brings new opportunities that will contribute to the ongoing success of our tribe and continued economic vitality for the region. I want to especially thank WSDOT for working with our team to restore more than 165 acres of wetlands as part of this project."
WSDOT said the route will fill a critical gap in Washington's highway network and will give freight haulers a more reliable and faster trip. However, the road will be open to all vehicles and is expected to help relieve congestion on local streets near the port.
"More efficient connections benefit our region, the state and the nation," Port of Tacoma Commission President Dick Marzano stated. "The Port of Tacoma's lines of business, combined with cargo operations in Tacoma managed by The Northwest Seaport Alliance, support more than 41,000 jobs and generate more than $100 million in state tax revenue. A vibrant port is critical to helping our region thrive and grow family-wage jobs."
The first section features two lanes in each direction between I-5 and 45th Ave. E. Drivers on I-5 south can enter the expressway near the Fife curve and exit at 54th Ave. E or SR 509 south. Drivers on I-5 north can enter the expressway from SR 509 north near the Port of Tacoma or a new roundabout on 54th Ave. E. However, all northbound travelers will have to exit to I-5 north until the final construction stages are finished.
"Completing SR 167 is an investment in the people who live and work in this area," Puget Sound Gateway Program Administrator Ricky Bhalla stated. "When people can reliably access jobs and communities are connected, our entire region succeeds."
This stage of the SR 167 Completion Project includes a new bridge over I-5, two new bridges on I-5 for Hylebos Creek to flow under, 17 additional bridge structures, and a new intersection at SR 509 and Alexander Ave. E.
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