The project corridor currently lacks essential pedestrian and roadway infrastructure, presenting significant safety and connectivity challenges for the community. There are no continuous sidewalks or paved shoulders, forcing pedestriansparticularly children, seniors, and people with disabilitiesto walk alongside traffic or on unprotected road edges. Inadequate lighting further reduces visibility and increases the likelihood of pedestrian and vehicle crashes, particularly at night.The corridor also experiences traffic congestion and limited safe turning options, especially near B St E. Existing traffic signals and pedestrian crossings are outdated, making intersections difficult to navigate safely, especially for people walking or biking.Additionally, there are gaps in infrastructure that prevent safe, direct access to community centers, schools, and healthcare services, as well as to the future Sound Transit Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station. These deficiencies limit access to transit, discourage physical activity, and negatively impact equity for residents who rely on non-motorized travel. The project area requires improvements that support safety, health, and connectivity to meet current and future transportation needs.
Projects — TIB Project Information
TIB Project Information
Pierce County's 159th Street E
8-1-027(074)-1
8-1-027(074)-1
159th Street E
SR 7 to 3rd Ave Ct E
FY 2027 Urban Arterial Program
Current Phase : Design
Total TIB Funding : $1,500,000
County: Pierce | Legislative District: 29 | Project Length: 0.36 | TIB Engineer: Greg Armstrong | Last Payment Date:
Project Information
| Lead Agency | PIERCE COUNTY |
| Funding Year | 2027 |
| Program | UAP |
| Current Phase | Design |
| Legislative District | 29 |
| Congressional District | 10 |
| Federal Route Number | 2870 |
| Project Length | 0.36 mi. |
| ADT | 7,575 |
| Functional Class | Minor |
| Type of Work | Resurfacing |
| Project Contact | Raymond P Belleza |
| Contact Email | raymond.belleza@piercecountywa.gov |
| TIB Engineer | Greg Armstrong |
| Last Payment Date | |
| Cultural Resource Assessment | Section 106 |
Project Schedule
| Target Date | Actual Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Project Selection Date | 11/21/2025 | |
| Delayed Project Date | 01/01/2027 | |
| DAHP Assessment Date | 08/15/2025 | |
| Predesign Approval | ||
| Design Approval | 01/15/2026 | 01/06/2026 |
| Bid Auth. Approval | 01/15/2027 | |
| Construction Approval | 02/28/2027 | |
| Project Closeout | 12/31/2027 | |
| Audit Date | ||
| Withdrawn Date |
Project Funding
| TIB Funds | Project Costs | |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Study | 0 | 0 |
| Design Study | 0 | 0 |
| Total Predesign | 0 | 0 |
| Special Study | 0 | 0 |
| Design | 0 | 0 |
| Right of Way | 0 | 0 |
| Total Design | 0 | 0 |
| Construction Engineering | 195,591 | 559,000 |
| Construction Contract | 1,304,409 | 3,728,000 |
| Other Construction | 0 | 0 |
| Total Construction | 1,500,000 | 4,287,000 |
| Total TIB Funding | 1,500,000 | 4,287,000 |
Local Funding Partners
| Funding Amount | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| PIERCE COUNTY | 1,287,000 | 30.0% |
| WSDOT Funding | 0 | 0.0% |
| FHWA | 1,500,000 | 35.0% |
| Total Local Funding | 2,787,000 | 65.0% |
Project Description
The proposed roadway improvement project directly addresses the areas transportation and health challenges by constructing continuous sidewalks, paved shoulders, and enhanced lighting. These features will greatly improve safety and accessibility for all users, especially pedestrians, cyclists, and those with mobility challenges. The addition of a two-way left-turn lane to B St E will reduce congestion, enhance traffic flow, and improve safety for those making turning movements.Upgrading traffic signals and pedestrian crossings will make intersections more efficient and user-friendly while increasing safety. These improvements will ensure reliable, safe access between neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and health services.Most importantly, the project will strengthen connectivity to the future Sound Transit BRT station, making transit more accessible and reducing car dependency. Aligned with Blue Zones principles, the project encourages active, healthy lifestyles by making walking and biking safer and more convenient, thereby enhancing long-term community wellness and mobility.
Existing Condition
Project Benefits
- Improves safety;
- Extends improvements;
- Restores structural condition;
- Removes ADA barriers;
- Builds multimodal facilities
Project Pictures
No images available.
Project Delays
| Delay Type | Resolution Date | Comments |
|---|---|---|
No delayed project history. |
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