WSDOT completes Tacoma Narrows Bridge repairs one week early

Pierce County commuters were handed some good news Friday morning when the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced that it had completed emergency expansion joint repairs on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge — one week ahead of schedule.

This was no easy feat, WSDOT Olympic Region Administrator MaryLou Shannon explained.

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

WSDOT closed the westbound lanes on SR 16 and the Jackson Avenue on-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.

Permanent Tacoma Narrows Bridge joint repairs planned for 2027

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 12th emergency repair related to expansion joints on the westbound bridge since 2024. 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.

Nate Connors is a traffic reporter for KIRO Newsradio. Follow him on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.

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