Plan for traffic changes: Safety enhancements coming to SR 302 in Gig Harbor

Watch for road crews, new configuration near SR 16 interchange

GIG HARBOR - Travelers who drive, walk and roll in Gig Harbor will soon see changes along a portion of State Route 302.

From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, and Thursday, Sept. 17, Washington State Department of Transportation crews will begin work to permanently close the right lane of southbound SR 302 between the Purdy Bay Bridge and Burnham Drive Northwest.

When the work is complete, southbound SR 302 will be reduced to one lane between the Purdy Bridge and Burnham Drive. This is designed to improve safety by reducing opportunities for risky driver behavior including speeding and last-minute merging near the SR 16 interchange.

Other safety enhancements include a new shared use path for walkers and rollers along southbound SR 302 in the shoulder area, and a left turn restriction from Burnham Drive to SR 302.

The changes were developed after WSDOT traffic and speed studies through the corridor. The recent studies were prompted by citizen and partner agency requests, and an overall increase in all modes of travel on SR 302 between Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula.

People traveling through the area also can do their part to improve safety by following the speed limit. Risky behaviors, such as speeding and impaired driving, increase the chance of fatal and serious injury crashes.

Travelers are encouraged to sign up for email updates about work on state roads in Pierce County. Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT app and statewide travel map.