The River Crossing portion will extend Canyon Road East from 52nd Street East across the Puyallup River to 70th Avenue East in Fife.
This is part of a larger project Pierce County is undertaking to complete an important connection between Frederickson and the Port of Tacoma. The combined improvements will support the local economy, provide a new route through the valley, and reduce travel times.
The River Crossing portion includes the following planned improvements:
- Constructing a new bridge over the Puyallup River and removing the existing Milroy Bridge.
- Constructing a new bridge over Clarks Creek.
- Expanding 52nd Street East to two lanes in each direction with turn lanes at intersections.
- Renaming the expanded 52nd Street East “Canyon Road East”.
- Building concrete curbs, gutters, and sidewalks.
- Constructing an enclosed storm drain system as well as stormwater treatment and storage facilities.
People and freight often wait in long back-ups to cross the existing Milroy Bridge.
Project purpose
The project purpose is to make it easier for local and regional traffic, including freight traffic, to move through the area. It will also reduce congestion and improve traffic safety in the project area.
Project need
Currently, there is not a reliable direct route for people and freight to travel from the Port of Tacoma Manufacturing Industrial Center (MIC) to the Frederickson MIC. Traffic to and from the two MICs depends on SR 512, SR 167, and Interstate 5 (I-5), which are increasingly impacted by congestion. This project will reduce congestion on SR 512, SR 167, and I-5 by providing a direct, regional connection for people and freight traveling between the Port of Tacoma and the Frederickson MICs.
The River Crossing (shown here in an artist’s rendering) will provide a better connection for people and goods traveling through the valley.
