Q. How do I get there? Where can I park?
A. The best way to get to the new bridge located on State Route 16 is to take a bus, express service or walk. Carpooling to bus and express service locations is strongly recommended.
Approximately 2,500 remote parking spaces will be available at three locations — Tacoma Community College, Tacoma Narrows Airport and Gig Harbor High School. Express service will transport visitors, free of charge to and from the bridge every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is limited, and on a first come, first serve basis. Express service locations:
Parking will not be permitted on the shoulders of SR 16 and neighborhood parking restrictions will be enforced.
» Parking for media organizations
Q. How should I prepare for the day?
A. Facilities for the event are limited. Please bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Be prepared for potentially hot weather — it’s a two-mile walk across the bridge and back. Bring your sunscreen, sunglasses and a head covering because we’re planning on a beautiful day.
Q. Can I ride my bicycle to the event?
A. Because we expect a lot of people at the event, bikes will not be allowed on the bridge deck during the opening day celebration. No bicycle racks are available and WSDOT is not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged bicycles.
The Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club has been invited to organize a small, late afternoon bike trek across the bridge deck and back on opening day to promote bicycling. Please contact the Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club for information.
The new 10-foot, protected bicycle/pedestrian lane is a major project benefit and is expected to open for bicyclists and pedestrians by late fall. The one-mile bicycle/pedestrian lane will connect the Scott Pierson trail on the Tacoma side with the Cushman trail on the Gig Harbor side.
Until the new lane opens, bicyclists and pedestrians will be directed to use the 1950 bridge. Available sidewalk sides will change depending on construction. Please look for posted signs.
Q. What should we not bring on the bridge deck?
A. We are expecting a busy event and a very crowded bridge deck.
Do not bring alcohol, fireworks, weapons, skates, rollerblades, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, large rolling coolers, large packages or other large items onto the bridge deck. There is no storage for these items so please leave them at home. WSDOT is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Q. Can I bring my pet to the opening celebration?
A. Pets are not allowed at this event.
Q. Will there be ADA accommodations?
A. The event complies with ADA accommodation rules.
Q. How can I make a donation to the opening celebration?
A. The Association of General Contractors (AGC) established an account and is collecting donations for this special event. For more donation information contact Van Collins, (253) 272-7725.
Q. When will the bridge open for motorist?
A. The switchover will occur between 2 and 4 a.m. Monday, July 16.
