Opening Sept. 13: First section of SR 167 Expressway in north Pierce County

People can choose a more direct route between I-5 in Fife and the Port of Tacoma

FIFE - A highly anticipated new section of State Route 167 in north Pierce County is just days away from opening. The Washington State Department of Transportation will open the first 2-mile segment of the SR 167 Expressway between Interstate 5 in Fife and SR 509 near the Port of Tacoma by 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13.

The SR 167 Completion Project is part of WSDOT's $2.83 billion Puget Sound Gateway Program. Crews on the SR 167 project are building a total of 6 miles of new highway between SR 410 near Puyallup and SR 509 in Tacoma, on Puyallup Tribe of Indians land.

"Our people have lived and worked on this land since time immemorial," said Puyallup Tribe Chairman Bill Sterud. "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."

"We wouldn't be opening this new highway in 2026 without the collaboration of the Puyallup Tribe and 17 other jurisdictions," said House Transportation Committee Chairman Jake Fey. "All of our partners provided valuable guidance, planning support and $140 million in contributions of cash, land and local grants to the Gateway program. This is an investment in our future. The completion of this segment to the Port of Tacoma has been a priority that has been in planning for over 20 years. It's great that this economic development project is now being realized which substantially enhances the competitiveness of the Port of Tacoma."

Critical new connection for freight

The first 2 miles of the expressway fills a critical gap in the state's highway network, giving freight haulers a more reliable and faster trip.

"More efficient connections benefit our region, the state and the nation," said Port of Tacoma Commission President Dick Marzano. "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 grown family-wage jobs."

The new route will be open to all vehicles and is expected to help relieve congestion on local streets near the port.

The first 2 miles

The first segment of the new expressway features two lanes in each direction between I-5 and 54th Avenue East.

• Southbound I-5 drivers can enter the expressway near the Fife curve and exit at 54th Avenue East or southbound SR 509.
• Drivers can enter the expressway from northbound SR 509 near the Port of Tacoma or a new roundabout on 54th Avenue East.
• All northbound travelers must exit to northbound I-5 until the final construction stages are complete.

This stage of the SR 167 Completion Project includes:

• A new bridge over I-5 with the world's second longest precast concrete girders.
• Two new bridges on I-5 for Hylebos Creek to flow under.
• 17 additional bridges and structures.
• A new intersection at SR 509 and Alexander Avenue East.

"Completing SR 167 is an investment in the people who live and work in this area," said Puget Sound Gateway Program Administrator Ricky Bhalla. "When people can reliably access jobs and communities are connected, our entire region succeeds."

Tolling begins in December

The new expressway will be tolled beginning in December. Drivers with a Good To Go! pass will be charged $1 in each direction for the section west of I-5. Vehicles with three or more axles will be charged higher toll rates.

The Washington State Transportation Commission adopted the toll rate for SR 167 on June 17, 2025. Toll funding will help pay for construction and ongoing maintenance.

Wetland and creek restoration program

As part of the project, crews also restored more than 165 acres of wetlands west and east of the I-5 Fife curve. The original wetlands were repurposed for agricultural and industrial use decades ago. WSDOT worked closely with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on a first-of-its-kind effort to return the area to its natural state.

Crews built new channels for Hylebos Creek and the Surprise Lake tributary. They also planted more than 300,000 native species of shrubs and trees. The restoration allows the area to act as a floodplain again, reducing the risk of chronic I-5 flooding during heavy storms while improving habitat and providing long-term benefits to fish and wildlife.

The next stages of expressway construction

Crews are currently working on additional construction stages that will:

• Widen an existing section of SR 167 between SR 410 near Puyallup to North Meridian Avenue.
• Build another 4 miles of new highway between North Meridian Avenue and I-5 where it will connect with the section opening Sept. 13.
• Complete the spuyaləpabš Trail, a shared-use path that features artwork by Coast Salish artists.

The remaining 4 miles are scheduled to open to traffic in June 2029.

Photos of construction work and a 3D video tour are available online.

Puget Sound Gateway Program

In addition to the SR 167 Completion Project, the Puget Sound Gateway Program also includes the SR 509 Completion Project in south King County. Together, the two projects complete critical missing links in Washington's highway and freight network.