SR 509 Reopens After Major Weekend Closure; Cold Weather Alert, Busy Arts Week Ahead

Tacoma is juggling transportation upgrades, a late-season cold snap and a packed arts calendar this week.

SR 509 Reopens After Construction Shift

Drivers heading toward the Port of Tacoma are back on the road after a full weekend closure of northbound State Route 509 between Port of Tacoma Road and Taylor Way East.

The shutdown allowed crews to shift lanes near Alexander Avenue East as part of a long-running highway completion project. The goal is to replace two closely spaced signalized intersections with a single, more efficient setup designed to ease freight congestion and reduce backups.

The new traffic pattern is expected to remain in place for several weeks while crews continue building out sidewalks, curbs and bridge approaches. More shifts are planned later this spring and summer.

Cold Weather Advisory Across the South Sound

Unseasonably cold temperatures settled over the Puget Sound region Tuesday night, prompting local agencies to expand shelter and outreach efforts for people living outdoors.

Forecasters warned of below-freezing overnight lows with the possibility of sleet or light snow. While accumulation in Tacoma has been limited, the cold has increased concern for vulnerable residents. Regional health officials urged people to check on neighbors and seek warming centers if needed.

Spring Arts and Events Fill the Calendar

Even with winter lingering, Tacoma’s cultural calendar is in full swing.

Tacoma Little Theatre continues its run of the rock musical Spring Awakening through March 29, bringing a modern edge to a coming-of-age story set in the 1890s.

At the Tacoma Armory, the Lemon Sessions return later this month with immersive performances blending music, dance and large-scale visual art projections. Organizers say the March program centers on queer resilience and creative expression.

Looking ahead to the weekend, a citywide St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl is scheduled for Saturday, drawing crowds to multiple downtown venues.

Sources

https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2026/weekend-closure-northbound-sr-509-tacoma-scheduled-march-6-9
https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/news/hazardous-weather-event-declared-night-tuesday-march-10-2026
https://www.peaksandpints.com/6-pack-of-things-to-do-in-tacoma-march-9-15-2026/
https://www.tacomaartslive.org/events/lemon-sessions-march-2026/
https://discoverclallam.com/event/tacoma-st-patricks-day-weekend-bar-crawl-2026/