Home / Business and Economy / New SR 167 Expressway Nears Tacoma Opening
New SR 167 Expressway Nears Tacoma Opening
7 Sep
Summary
- SR 167 Expressway to open mid-September, connecting I-5 to SR 509.
- Multiple lane closures on I-5, SR 509, and SR 99 are scheduled.
- Project is part of a four-stage plan to improve South Puget Sound traffic.
Crews are preparing for the mid-September opening of the initial phase of the SR 167 Expressway, a significant project aimed at improving traffic in the South Puget Sound region. This expansion will connect I-5 to SR 509, providing a tolled link for freight travel to the Port of Tacoma. The new route is anticipated to cost between $1 and $3, with higher fees for freight.
To facilitate this opening, the Washington State Department of Transportation has announced extensive overnight lane closures. Starting the week of September 8, 2026, closures will affect northbound and southbound I-5, as well as both directions of SR 509 and SR 99, impacting travel around Tacoma and Fife. Additionally, 54th Avenue East in Fife will experience lane reductions.
This SR 167 Expressway is the second stage in a four-part highway development plan. The first stage concluded in 2021 with the opening of the East Wapato Way Bridge. Future stages, expected to be completed in 2028 and 2030, will involve widening key roads near Puyallup and initiating work on the anticipated spuyaləpabš Trail, a 12-mile pedestrian and bike path.
