City of Tacoma Secures Over $4 Million in Transportation Improvement Board Grants
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~ The City of Tacoma's Public Works Department has recently announced that they have successfully secured over $4 million in competitive grants from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB). These funds will be used to support two infrastructure projects aimed at improving pavement conditions, increasing pedestrian safety, and expanding active transportation routes.

The larger portion of the funding, totaling $3.7 million, will go towards comprehensive improvements along South 12th Street from South Grant to South Cedar. This project focuses on smart fiscal management and Vision Zero safety principles, utilizing a cost-effective preservation strategy of milling and overlaying the street surface. This approach is expected to add 15 to 20 years to the life of the street while significantly improving ride quality.

Some key features of the South 12th Street Project include upgrades to three traffic signal systems, including larger signal heads with reflective backplates for better visibility. Additionally, Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) and Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI) will be installed at high-accident intersections like South Sprague, giving pedestrians a head start before cars begin moving. The project also includes a westbound lane reduction to make room for protected bike lanes separated from traffic by a buffer and mountable curbs. This new roadway configuration is designed to reduce merging conflicts, run-off-the-road collisions, and left-turn risks.

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In addition to the improvements on South 12th Street, the City has also been awarded $478,000 for the Safe Routes to School: South Park Avenue Greenway Project. This initiative aims to improve safety in the Fern Hill Neighborhood through improvements along South Park Avenue from South 86th to South 76th Street. The project directly addresses critical mobility needs near Fern Hill Elementary School and aims to reinforce the street as a safe route for children and families.

Key features of this project include four new speed humps and a new traffic circle at South 80th Street to reduce vehicle speeds and turning conflicts. A raised crosswalk and curb bulbs will also be constructed at South 86th Street to shorten crossing distances and reinforce driver yielding behavior near the school. Additionally, approximately 160 feet of new sidewalk will be built to eliminate existing gaps and ensure a continuous path for pedestrians. A new traffic diverter at South 78th Street will discourage cut-through traffic while still allowing access for residents and emergency vehicles. The design of this feature will be shaped by public engagement and resident input.

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Both projects are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027, with more details to be announced as they become available. The City of Tacoma is committed to improving infrastructure and promoting safe transportation options for its residents, and these grants from the TIB are a significant step towards achieving those goals.

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