SR 167 is the primary freeway connecting the Kent and Puyallup River valleys to the Seattle/ Tacoma/Bellevue metropolitan area. The original planned route for the highway ran from Renton to Tacoma, but construction halted near Puyallup in the 1980s before the freeway could be completed to Tacoma.
The SR 167 Completion project is a critical missing link in the state’s highway network. Its completion is expected to improve safety and reduce congestion along local roads and freeways in the surrounding area.

Completing the missing link of the highway system will help:
– Relieve congestion on local roads and other highways by providing new travel options
– Move freight faster and economically
– Improve regional mobility
– Enhance surface water quality and improve stream habitat feeding into Commencement Bay

This new highway segment when completed will provide two general purpose lanes in each direction and include a transit/carpool lane in each direction from I-5 to Puyallup.

HOV lanes are not expected to be included during the first phase of construction.

When completed, drivers will see a divided highway with access points at interchanges in key locations: SR 509, 54th Avenue, I-5, Valley Avenue East and SR 161.

Project Benefits:
– Increased Safety – Designed to modern highway standards, the highway will have limited access points to reduce traffic conflicts.
– Congestion relief – The more direct connection from SR 161 and SR 509 to I-5 will reduce freeway congestion and relieve traffic volumes on surrounding local streets in cities like Puyallup and Fife.
– Environment – In addition to conventional stormwater retention ponds, the project will include a riparian restoration program that enhances existing wetlands and promotes natural stream processes in Hylebos Creek and Surprise Lake Tributary areas of north Pierce County.

What is the project timeline?
WSDOT is in the process of updating environmental documentation, acquiring right-of- way, obtaining permits, and preparing contracts. The work is needed in advance of construction.
Construction is expected to begin in July, 2019 and is anticipated to continue through 2031, based on funding allocations as provided by the State Legislature.

– WSDOT