Slide to the left: SR 512 on-ramp work means more room to merge this fall

LAKEWOOD - An upcoming weekend ramp closure will allow crews to extend a Parkland area on-ramp onto State Route 512.

From 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, to 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, the SR 7 ramp to eastbound SR 512 will close to all travelers. During the closure, travelers will need to use alternate routes.

Project benefits

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will add 840 feet to the ramp's merge lane. That is more than two football fields. The added distance will help improve traffic flow for travelers both using and entering the highway.

Crews will also add new lighting and traffic loops later in the project. Traffic loops detect congestion on state highways. The loops will connect to ramp meters, which help control the flow of traffic entering the highway and reduce merging issues.

Data sensor installation

The $1 million project also includes the installation of a new Wavetronix data sensor along SR 512 near the I-5 interchange. The sensor will collect information about traffic volumes. The data will help with work zone planning, traffic analysis and future corridor management. The sensor uses radar to collect information and does not have a camera.

WSDOT's contractor, Northeast Electric, expects to complete work by the end of November. Travelers can find up-to-date information on the project webpage.

People are encouraged to check the statewide travel map or download the WSDOT app for real-time traffic information. Sign up for emails to get updates on highway projects in Pierce County.