Tacoma Narrows drivers: Plan for lane closures next week during bridge inspection, repairs

Multiple lanes will close on the westbound Tacoma Narrows Bridge Monday through Thursday next week, reopening after 2:30 p.m. each day, according to a WSDOT news release.

On Sept. 23 and 24, the two right lanes of westbound state Route 16 approaching the bridge will close from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as will the ramp from Jackson Avenue to the highway.

On Sept. 25 and 26, the two left lanes of westbound state Route 16 approaching the bridge will close from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

All drivers may use the HOV lane during the closures.

"We expect to have all lanes open for the afternoon commute each day," WSDOT spokesperson April Leigh told The News Tribune via email.

WSDOT engineers from the Bridge Preservation Office will be doing a routine inspection that is scheduled every other year, according to the release. It has to be done in daylight for safety reasons.

Maintenance crews will also repair the westbound bridge during the inspection, and more repairs may be scheduled afterward, the release said.

The westbound span from Tacoma to Gig Harbor was built in 1950, making it 74 years old, according to WSDOT's website . The eastbound span was built in 2007.

According to the WSDOT website, an average of 45,000 vehicles travel across the westbound bridge each day. The bridge needs several repairs including replacement of the expansion joints that allow the bridge to expand and contract, but there's not enough funding to move the project forward at this time.

The WSDOT release encourages travelers to build in extra travel time during the lane closures, to carpool or telework if possible, to consider putting off optional trips, and to travel early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If driving near a work site, travelers should slow down and be mindful of active crews and surrounding traffic.