The contractor for Point Ruston, a master-planned residential community and urban village slated for development on the former Asarco smelter site, will completely close Ruston Way in the vicinity of the old Asarco smelter site and Ruston Way tunnel beginning at 7 a.m. Weds., July 13, or on a date soon thereafter (check roadway signs for construction status). Drivers who regularly use the Ruston Way tunnel to travel between Ruston and Tacoma will need to use an alternate route. The road will also close to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. There is no public parking in closed areas. The Ruston Tunnel will be filled and permanently closed while Point Ruston reconstructs Ruston Way in a new alignment and installs utilities, landscaping, and sidewalks. Detour signs will direct traffic to use 49th/Ferdinand, 46th Street, and Pearl Street as alternate routes. Businesses in Ruston, Point Defiance, and along Ruston Way will remain open and accessible during construction.

– – – – – – – – – – –

Tacoma City Council, developer debate merits of Point Ruston proposals (03/11/11) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1940275&more=0

Point Ruston: Tacoma City Council discusses $6M waterfront purchase, $3M LID amendment (03/08/11) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1937814&more=0

Point Ruston waterfront for sale? Tacoma says it’s interested (03/04/11) — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1936374&more=0