Tacoma Weekly | Work to begin on South Tacoma Way
A soon-to-start construction project on South Tacoma Way will bring significant roadway upgrades to the city’s northern commercial corridor.
On Feb. 28, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland joined Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen, Deputy Mayor Mary Moss, members of the Lakewood City Council, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Linda Smith, and local business and property owner Jae Han for a groundbreaking ceremony on South Tacoma Way near the B&I shopping center. Shovels dug in and were filled with the first turnover of ground to ceremoniously initiate the project that will complete the sidewalk connection down both sides of South Tacoma Way from the city’s northern boundary with Tacoma to 88th Street.
The improvements will also beautify the bustling commercial corridor that serves as one of our area’s most culturally rich districts. Nearly 85 percent of the businesses in this area are women- or monitory-owned.
Congresswoman Strickland was instrumental in securing $2.5 million in federal funding to help pay for this project.
“This federal funding will upgrade a major regional connector for businesses and communities within the quickly growing South Sound,” she said. “Improving accessibility between the cities of Lakewood and Tacoma will ensure the success of the surrounding region. Regardless of what may be going on in DC, we are making sure we work with local cities to deliver projects like the South Tacoma Way Improvements for residents.”
Whalen expressed gratitude for Strickland’s continued commitment to the South Sound and specifically her support for the City of Lakewood.
“We look forward to celebrating its completion with the Congresswoman in the near future,” he said.
Construction is currently occurring in the area while the Lakewood Water District upgrades its watermain. The District is always working to maintain and expand the water system serving the Lakewood community. All tanks now have earthquake sensors, and the District has installed iron and manganese filtration plants on four other wells. The District’s flushing program enables the removal of excess minerals, mainly manganese, none of which pose any health risk. The District has also enhanced its data and information collection and management ability as well as enhanced its automation, remote viewing and control capability.
The city’s contractor is anticipated to soon move in and begin work on the roadway. The city will share updates in its weekly City Manager Bulletin posted to cityoflakewood.us and emailed to its subscriber list every Friday.