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

Utility work on Martin Luther King Jr. Way from S. 3rd St. to S. 5th St. begins on September 11

Publish Date

Sound Transit’s contractor will start installing utilities on the west side of Martin Luther King Jr. Way from S. 3rd St. to S. 5th St. near Tacoma General Hospital, beginning today, September 11. Crews will use jack-and-bore operations to dig two small tunnels under the Jackson Hall pedestrian tunnel and then two small tunnels under the Baker Center pedestrian tunnel. Access to the hospitals and medical centers is open. Two-way traffic is maintained on Martin Luther King Jr. Way.This work is expected to take eight weeks.

On Division Avenue, the contractor is installing utilities underground near J Street. The traffic pattern will move during the week, with at least one lane of traffic open on Division Ave. 

Crews will return to Commerce Street this week to build foundations for Link power poles between 7th Street and 9th Street.

In Hilltop, crews continue utility work at MLK Jr. Way and S. 8th St. and will move on S. 8th Street between the alley and S. L Street. In addition, crews continue to install a new water line as well as Link power poles on Martin Luther King Jr. Way from S. 14th Street to S. 16th Street. 

The contractor is not working on N. 1st Street or Tacoma Avenue in the Stadium District. This area is open to two-way traffic and street parking.

Looking ahead, the contractor will continue building foundations for Link power poles and will move to the area on Stadium Way from 4th Street to the 705 onramp, starting the week of September 16.

What

Construction and traffic restrictions on Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Division Avenue, Commerce Street, S. 15th Street, S. 8th Street, and Stadium Way.

When

Week of September 9

Where

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Way from S. 3rd St. to S. 5th St. – lane restrictions. Crews are installing underground utilities on the west side of MLK Jr. Way from S. 3rd St. to S. 5th St. near Jackson Hall and the Baker Center. Two-way traffic will be maintained on MLK Jr. Way. Access to the hospitals and medical centers remains open. This work is expected to take 8 weeks.
     
  • Division Avenue from I Street to MLK Jr. Way – lane restrictions. Crews are installing utilities underground near J Street. The traffic pattern will change during the week with at least one lane of traffic open on Division Avenue. On Tuesday and Wednesday, two-way traffic will be maintained on Division. On Thursday, the westbound lane will be closed at J St. Drivers will be able to turn onto S. J Street to access medical centers and other organizations.
     
  • Commerce Street from 7th Street to 9th Street – lane restrictions. After a summer of not working on Commerce Street, crews will return to the area this week to build the foundations for Link power poles. The work will take place on Commerce Street between 7th St. and 9th St. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Commerce St.
     
  • S. 8th Street from Martin Luther King Jr. Way to S. L Street – street closure. Crews will install stormwater pipes and structures on S. 8th Street west of MLK Jr. Way from the alley to S. L Street. S. 8th Street is closed from MLK Jr. Way to L St. This work is expected to take two weeks. Then the contractor will move to the intersection of L St. and 8th St., followed by additional work on S. 8th St. east of MLK Jr. Way.
     
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Way between S. 14th to 16th Street – southbound lane closure.  The southbound lane of MLK Jr. Way will be closed at S. 14th St. to S. 16th St. for water line work. In addition, crews continue building foundations for the Link power poles in this area. During non-working hours, MLK Jr. Way will be open to two-way traffic, and parking will be available.
     
  • Stadium Way from Division to 4th Street: southbound lane closure; use detours. Stadium Way is closed to southbound traffic from Division Avenue to the 4th Street. Crews continue to install foundations for Link power poles and continue to remove pavement and prepare for track installation. Next week, they will install the foundations on Stadium Way from 4th St. to the 705 onramp.

More

  • Driveway and pedestrian access is maintained, although some sidewalks and crosswalks will be temporarily closed. Pedestrian detours will be in place.
  • Construction noise related to replacing the underground utilities.
  • 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. 
Map of MLK Way Jack-and-bore work area