Project updates
Learn about where and when construction is happening throughout the ST district.

Construction continues on Commerce Street from I-705 to S. 9th Street

Publish Date

Crews will continue installing track, curb, gutter, sidewalks, electrical systems and pole foundations on Commerce Street this week. Commerce St. is closed to southbound traffic from I-705 to S. 9th St. During working hours, Commerce St. is closed to northbound traffic from S. 9th St. to S. 7th St. From the I-705 exit on Stadium Way, please follow the detour north on Stadium Way or take an earlier exit – thank you.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Way, crews are installing curb and gutter on the east side of MLK Jr. Way from S. 19th St. to S. 16th St. as well as signals at the MLK Jr. Way and S. 11th St. intersection,  and cleaning rail along MLK Jr. Way. On E. 25th St., the contractor is advancing the track installation process across McKinley Ave. E near the expanded Operations and Maintenance Facility. 

The contractor will not be working on the Memorial Day weekend – happy Memorial Day!

COVID-19. The health and safety of all workers on Sound Transit’s construction sites are of utmost importance to us. Our contractors have primary responsibility for their wellbeing while working on our projects.  Sound Transit is actively working with the contractors and construction management teams on all our projects to assure that public health guidelines are being followed. 

What

Construction and traffic restrictions at Commerce Street, S. 7th Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Way, S. 18th Street, S. 17th Street, S. 11th Street, and E. 25th Street

When

Week of May 24

Where

  • Commerce Street from I-705 to S. 9th Street – southbound lane closure. Crews are installing track on Commerce St. from I-705 to the crosswalk north of the Theater District Station. The contractor is installing the underground electrical system and crossover tracks in the 7th St. intersection. In addition, crews will install curb, gutter and drainage on the west side of Commerce St. between S. 7th St. and I-705. Commerce St. is closed to southbound traffic between I-705 and S. 9th St. The northbound lane is open between S. 7th St. and I-705. Access to driveways and parking lots is maintained, or alternate parking is provided. From I-705, follow the detour north on Stadium Way or take an earlier exit.
  • Commerce Street from S. 9th St. to S. 7th St. – northbound lane closure during working hours. Crews are installing the underground electrical system, track, and pole foundations on Commerce St. between S. 9th St. and S. 7th St. Commerce St. is closed to northbound traffic from S. 9th St. to S. 7th St. during working hours. 
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Way from S. 19th St. to S. 16th St. – northbound lane closure. Crews are installing curb and gutter on the east side of MLK Jr. Way from S. 19th St. to S. 16th St. The work also will include installing crosswalks and pavement across the cross streets. MLK Jr. Way is closed to northbound traffic from S. 19th St. to S. 16th St., and S. 18th St. is closed on the east side of MLK Jr. Way for a half block. As the work advances north, S. 17th St. and then S. 16th St. will close on the east side of MLK Jr. Way for a half block. Please follow the detour on S. J St. – thank you. This work is expected to take about 4-6 weeks in this area, and then crews will continue north on MLK Jr. Way. In addition, crews are installing signals at the MLK Jr. Way and S. 18th St. intersection. The signal work at S. 18th St. will take about two weeks. Then, the contractor will continue signal work at other intersections, including S. 11th St., Earnest Brazill St., and S. 13th St.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Way and S. 11th St. intersection – traffic restrictions. Crews are installing signals, lighting and foundations for signal poles at the MLK Jr. Way and S. 11th St. intersection, working in a corner at a time. MLK Jr. Way and S. 11th St. are open to two-way traffic. The sidewalk may be closed on the corner where they’re working, so please follow the pedestrian detour. The signals and lighting work at this intersection is expected to take about two weeks, and then crews will do similar work at the Earnest Brazill St. intersection.
  • East 25th Street from McKinley Ave. to E. J St. – eastbound lane closure. Crews are installing track, curb and gutter near the Operations and Maintenance Facility on E. 25th St. The contractor is advancing the track installation one block west, crossing McKinley Ave. E. to E. G Street. Currently, E. 25th St. is closed in both directions between E. G St. and McKinley Avenue E. Please follow the detour on Puyallup Avenue – thank you.

More

  • Driveway and pedestrian access is maintained, although some sidewalks and crosswalks will be temporarily closed. Pedestrian detours will be in place. 
  • Buses will follow detour routes. Visit PierceTransit.org for information.
  • Construction noise related to underground utilities and track installation.
  • Large construction equipment or materials may be in the right-of-way.
  • Work will generally take place during the daytime hours unless otherwise noted. Daytime hours during the week are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The contractor usually works less hours.
  • Businesses are open during construction.
  • Plan ahead and allow extra time to reach your destination.
  • Due to inclement weather or unforeseen issues, dates and times are subject to change. 
Construction map for Commerce street, Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension