Community Transportation

Expect westbound Narrows Bridge lane closures for multiple days, WSDOT warns

The Washington State Department of Transportation is warning that around-the-clock closure of some westbound lanes of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge could be “in place multiple days.”

The department announced the need to close the two right lanes on the westbound (toward Gig Harbor) bridge on Monday afternoon for emergency repairs.

Crews need to repair an expansion joint on the bridge deck. Once the repair is complete, crews will pour new concrete. The concrete requires an extended curing time, which means travelers can expect lane closures for several days.

All drivers may use the westbound bridge’s HOV lane while crews complete the repairs.

A similar emergency repair job on the westbound bridge on Jan. 31 backed up traffic all the way to Interstate 5.

The new Tacoma Narrows Bridge is expected to be paid off in fiscal 2032 or early 2033.

Bridge joint issue

WSDOT crews found an issue with a bridge joint in the middle of the westbound span during a routine inspection Monday morning, according to a news release. The westbound bridge is the older of the twin spans, built in the 1950s.

The release noted that the bridge remains safe for travel in the two open lanes.

“Crews will work as safely and quickly as possible,” the news release said. “WSDOT recognizes that the afternoon commute while these repairs are underway will be challenging for travelers heading to Gig Harbor and Kitsap County.”

Starting this afternoon (5/13) until further notice, the 1950s Tacoma Narrows Bridge will be reduced to two lanes for emergency repairs. We expect the lanes to remain closed for multiple days. HOV lane is open to all. For real-time info: https://t.co/HUGa1WTbqq pic.twitter.com/JEu7OIDvGv

— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) May 13, 2024