New partial joint installed on Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Oct 27, 2026, 3:27 PM
Bridge maintenance crew members prepare to remove a deteriorating section of a joint near the Tacoma side of the Narrows during repairs. (Photo courtesy: KIRO 7).
(Photo courtesy: KIRO 7)
Some good news for drivers who regularly use the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
The Washington State Department of Transportation says the new partial joint has been installed on the aging structure.
The westbound span across the water is 76 years old, and it is in desperate need of repairs. Regular SR 16 drivers have been caught up in emergency repairs for years as the span continues to break down and show its age.
The worst spots are the four massive expansion joints on either end of the bridge, right where the towers are located. Eight major emergency repairs have been needed at the joints since 2024.
Just yesterday, WSDOT said that the worst part of the old joint has been removed. Since then, crews have installed the new partial joint.
However, there is still more work to be done.
“Plan for long commutes or telework, carpool, and combine trips from Tacoma to Gig Harbor until we’re done,” WSDOT shared.
You can check WSDOT’s real-time map for up-to-date travel times by clicking here.
No word on how long the remainder of the work could take.
