Residents of Tacoma and surrounding communities should prepare for scheduled overnight lane and ramp closures on the eastbound State Route 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge this weekend, according to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) information reported by KIRO 7.
Starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 13, the two right‑hand lanes approaching the bridge will be closed through 6 a.m. on Saturday, November 14. The closure also includes the toll‑booth plaza and the ramps that connect 24th Street and 36th Street to eastbound SR 16. Drivers will be directed to stay in the left lanes to cross the bridge. Those without a Good To Go! account will receive a bill in the mail after completing their trip.
Detour signs will guide motorists using 24th Street and 36th Street to access eastbound SR 16 via Olympic Drive. All toll booths will be shut during Friday night’s maintenance, meaning no electronic toll collection will be possible until the work is finished.
Additional overnight work is scheduled for the following night. From 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, until 6 a.m. on Sunday, November 15, the two left lanes approaching the bridge will be closed while crews finish cleaning the bridge joints. Unlike Friday’s work, the toll plaza and all ramps will remain open during the Saturday night lane closures.
The eastbound Tacoma Narrows Bridge, opened in 2007, undergoes annual maintenance to keep it in good working order. WSDOT typically schedules this work at night to minimize disruption, but drivers are still urged to slow down, stay alert for workers, and allow extra travel time. The agency reminds motorists that work zones are hazardous and that adherence to posted signs and speed limits is essential for safety.
What’s next: Drivers should monitor local traffic reports and WSDOT updates for any changes to the schedule or additional detours. Planning alternate routes, especially for commuters traveling between Gig Harbor and Tacoma, can help avoid delays. The bridge is expected to reopen to full traffic flow after the Sunday morning completion of the maintenance work.
