The Washington State Department of Transportation announced that crews will close all lanes of northbound State Route 509 in Tacoma, along with one lane of the southbound side, during the weekend of March 6–9. According to a press release from WSDOT, the work is part of an ongoing effort to simplify the Alexander Avenue East intersection and improve overall traffic flow near the Port of Tacoma.

The closure is scheduled to begin Friday, March 6, and continue through Sunday, March 9. WSDOT states that crews expect to use the weekend window to advance construction that cannot be completed while traffic is moving through the area.

While the work is centered in Tacoma, the effects of a full northbound closure may be felt well beyond the port industrial zone. Drivers traveling from Cowlitz County toward the Puget Sound region—particularly commercial haulers moving freight from Longview and Kelso—may experience longer travel times as traffic diverts to alternate routes.

WSDOT has advised travelers to plan ahead, leave extra time, and monitor travel conditions throughout the weekend. The agency’s announcement notes that updates will be posted to its statewide travel platform and social media channels as the work progresses.

Construction tied to freight mobility has been a persistent issue for communities along the I‑5 corridor, where any significant slowdown can cascade through the region’s logistics network. The temporary shutdown of northbound SR 509 underscores how infrastructure projects in Pierce County can influence commercial and commuter traffic patterns for Southwest Washington as well.

Residents and drivers who rely on SR 509 for weekend travel are encouraged to review WSDOT’s posted closure details and consider alternate routes.

Sources:
Washington State Department of Transportation: Weekend closure of northbound SR 509 in Tacoma scheduled March 6–9