All lanes now open across SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge to Gig Harbor

Emergency repairs completed one week ahead of schedule

TACOMA - The afternoon commute from Tacoma to Gig Harbor just got a lot easier.

At 11:40 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews reopened the two right lanes of the 1950 Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the ramp from Jackson Avenue to westbound State Route 16, one week ahead of schedule.

"This type of repair work is incredibly complex, and problems often only reveal themselves when you get into the repair," said WSDOT Olympic Region Administrator MaryLou Shannon. "Thanks to substantial initial preparation, planning and expert staff, we were able to complete the repair ahead of schedule."

WSDOT bridge engineers inspected the new partial bridge joint prior to the lanes reopening. Crews will monitor the bridge in the coming weeks to ensure the joint is working properly.

This is the twelfth emergency repair related to expansion joints on the westbound bridge since 2024. WSDOT closed the lanes and ramp at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, so that crews could remove and replace a deteriorating portion of an expansion joint. The lanes were originally scheduled to remain closed until Sunday, Nov. 8.

WSDOT appreciates those who adjusted their travel, which helped reduced backups on the westbound bridge during the work.

Travelers can expect more temporary fixes until the joints in the 76-year-old bridge can be replaced. WSDOT is designing a permanent fix, with construction scheduled for 2027.

Travelers are encouraged to sign up for email updates about work on WSDOT-maintained roads in Pierce County. Real-time traveler information is available from the WSDOT app and WSDOT Travel Center Map.