In partnership with the City of Tacoma, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is studying strategies to reduce congestion for the Tacoma Mall area. This area of I-5 experiences frequent traffic delays.

The study will analyze transportation access to and from I-5 and the Tacoma Mall area to develop a set of solutions that:

• Improves mobility and travel choices
• Supports future land use and regional growth
• Manages congestion and improves safety 

Please save the dates for our public meetings and survey. WSDOT will hold a public open house on April 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, 4851 S. Tacoma Way in Tacoma to talk about the study. Attendees will be able to provide suggestions and comment on potential solutions and learn about the next steps to addressing traffic congestion and supporting regional growth. A short presentation will begin at 6 p.m. followed by an opportunity to view displays around the room with staff available to answer questions. 

More information will be available on Thursday, April 18 through Thursday, May 2 where community members will also have an opportunity to view the online open house and take the online survey. 

Needs & Benefits

Study Purpose

WSDOT will study strategies to reduce congestion on I-5 at the 38th Street Interchange and local streets (S. 38th Street/Steele Street Intersection) in partnership with the City of Tacoma and others. This area of I-5 experiences frequent traffic delays primarily in the southbound I-5 direction to westbound S. 38th Street to Steele Street intersecting with Tacoma Mall Boulevard. The study will analyze current and future recommendations for improving traffic flow around the Tacoma Mall area using the Practical Solutions planning approach. 

The End Result

The study will identify strategies to reduce traffic congestion and address future demands both to and from the Tacoma Mall area for travelers. Furthermore, the study information will be used to identify a preferred alternative, which may include improvements to the interchange, and local streets.

Funding

Funding for this study is provided by the Washington State Motor Vehicle Account. A total of $500,000 has been allocated. 

Timeline

October - December 2018

• Study scope of work
• Preliminary analysis
• Stakeholder communication

January - April 2019

• Community outreach
• Data analysis

May - June 2019

• Make recommendations
• Complete study report
• Publish report

For more information, visit https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/planning/studies/i5/tacoma-mall-boulevard/home or contact the WSDOT staff listed below. 

Dennis Engel, Multimodal Planning Manager
360-357-2651

Forest Sutmiller, Study Lead
360-704-3208

Cara Mitchell, Communications Consultant
360-357-2703