Construction begins Sept. 8 on the final piece of the Lincoln Avenue Grade Separation.

This key freight transportation project will move cargo and commuters more efficiently in and out of the Tacoma Tideflats. The 2,200-foot overpass will add three lanes of roadway over four sets of railroad tracks serving the Port of Tacoma’s two main intermodal yards.

Lincoln Avenue will close in two stages. Beginning Sept. 8, the road will close to public traffic from Milwaukee Way to Thorne Road. Approximately two weeks later, Lincoln Avenue will close between Marc Street and Thorne Road, and remain closed for the duration of the project. Milwaukee Way and APM Road Connector will remain open to public traffic for access through the construction zone. Please allow extra time to travel through the area.

The project is expected to be completed by May 2011. Access to all businesses will be provided during construction.

Find more information, detour maps and updated construction schedules at www.portoftacoma.com/lincoln-ave.

Construction of the overpass became possible in March, when the Port received $15.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Scarsella Brothers Inc. of Kent was recently awarded the $21.8 million construction contract.

The project is expected to create about 200 jobs during construction and another 1,500 permanent jobs through efficiency and additional capacity when it’s completed.

About the Port of Tacoma
The Port of Tacoma is an economic engine for South Puget Sound, with more than 43,000 family-wage jobs in Pierce County and 113,000 jobs across Washington state connected to Port activities. A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port of Tacoma is among the largest container ports in North America. The Port is also a major center for bulk, breakbulk and project/heavy-lift cargoes, as well as automobiles and trucks.

Contact: Tara Mattina, Port of Tacoma, (253) 428-8674