CHOKEPOINTS

Tacoma’s South 21st Street closing for several weeks

Mar 24, 2025, 9:23 AM

Tacoma South 21st Avenue Closure map...

Map of closure of Tacoma's South 21st Street. (Courtesy City of Tacoma Website)

(Courtesy City of Tacoma Website)

South 21st Street in Tacoma will shut down from Jefferson Avenue to Pacific Avenue starting Wednesday as part of the Prairie Line Trail Project, city officials said. The closure is expected to last six to eight weeks.

The project aims to connect Tacoma’s waterfront to downtown through a network of local and regional trails. According to the city’s website, the initiative will complete a key link in Tacoma’s non-motorized transportation system.

“Traversing the steep hills of Tacoma is a challenge,” the website noted. “The gentle grade of this former rail corridor provides an easier walking and cycling alternative. Construction of this multi-use path includes wayfinding, lighting, stormwater improvements, landscaping, public art, and amenities. This phase of the project will transform the stretch of the former BNSF rail line between South 21st Street and South 25th Street.”

The I-705/SR509 interchange near Pacific Avenue will remain open.

Detours will be in place.

Chokepoints

traffic weekend closure...

Paola Tristan Arruda, KIRO 7 News

Weekend traffic headaches ahead: Major closures planned on I-405, SR 520/Montlake, and SR 99

Drivers traveling around the Puget Sound region this weekend should prepare for yet another weekend of delays as several major road projects overlap across King County.

2 days ago

Puyallup railroad...

MyNorthwest Staff

Puyallup railroad crossing arms stuck in down position

The railroad crossing arms in downtown Puyallup are stuck in the down position.

2 days ago

military vehicle I-5 Tacoma...

Frank Sumrall

All lanes reopened after civilian car hits military vehicle on northbound I-5 near Tacoma Mall

A crash involving a military vehicle occurred on northbound I-5 in Tacoma Friday morning.

2 days ago

I-5 off-ramp DUI SR 18...

Frank Sumrall

Northbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 18 reopens after 4.5-hour DUI closure

The northbound I-5 off-ramp to eastbound SR 18 reopened Thursday morning after a single-car collision blocked the roadway for nearly 4.5 hours.

4 days ago

WA driver's license (1)...

Chris Sullivan

Getting a WA driver’s license is about to get a lot harder

There are major changes coming to the requirements for new drivers and license applicants over the next few months.

4 days ago

SR 99 snohomish county wsdot...

MyNorthwest Staff

WSDOT proposes $800M transformation of SR 99 corridor in Snohomish County

The Washington Department of Transportation proposed several improvements to a stretch of SR 99 — a seven mile corridor from Lynnwood toward Everett.

4 days ago

Tacoma’s South 21st Street closing for several weeks