Lower Speed Limit Coming To I-5 Through Fife

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Commuters should prepare for lower speed limits and shifted lanes in both directions of Interstate 5 through Fife in the coming weeks, which officials expect will remain in place through summer due to construction.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the adjustments will help keep crews safer as they work on the SR 167 completion project — a new 6-mile stretch of highway that will one day link Puyallup to the Port of Tacoma.

Drivers will notice the first shift as early as Wednesday, when WSDOT plans to adjust the northbound speed limit to 50 mph, between 54th Avenue East and Porter Way. Southbound speed limits will follow later in the month and Washington State Patrol will enforce lower speeds through the work zone.

Initial lane shifting work is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, weather permitting, which will require some temporary closures and delays.

"The lane shifts and speed reduction are necessary to create safe work zones in the median of I-5," WSDOT said. "Construction crews will work in the median to build new bridges on I-5 that will cross the project's relocated Hylebos Creek, as part of the Hylebos Riparian Restoration Program. The restoration program will improve the flow of the creek and reduce flooding on I-5, supporting the larger Puget Sound Gateway program."

Here's what to expect in the area in the near future, per WSDOT:

Speed limit reduction

• The northbound speed reduction takes effect as early as Wednesday, Feb. 15.
• The southbound speed reduction takes effect as early as Saturday, Feb. 25.
• Travelers on I-5 will see new speed limit signs and work activity on the shoulders and medians of I-5.
• The temporary speed limit is expected to last through summer 2023.
• WSDOT will work with the Washington State Patrol to manage enforcement.

Lane shifting

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 – Lanes will begin to close on northbound I-5 south of 54th Avenue East to Porter Way for roadway restriping.
• 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 – The 54th Avenue East on-ramp to northbound I-5 will be closed. Travelers will follow a signed detour route.
• 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 – Four lanes of northbound I-5 south of 54th Avenue East to Porter Way are closed for roadway restriping.
• 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 – 15-minute rolling slowdown for roadway striping.
• 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 – The 54th Avenue East on-ramp reopens.
• 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 – All lanes of I-5 reopen with the new 50 mph speed limit in effect.