January 2026
From the Assistant Director: Ready for Winter, Prepared for the Year Ahead
As we begin the new year, our focus at the City of Tacoma’s Public Works Department remains steady: readiness. That means being prepared to respond to winter weather, emergencies, and the day-to-day needs that keep our city moving. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, our goal is simple—to deliver reliable services, maintain safe streets, and steward infrastructure the community can count on year-round.
Winter is an active season for our teams. Crews are responding to changing weather conditions, coordinating closely across departments, and staying ready to act when conditions demand it. At the same time, we are planning ahead—ensuring projects, facilities, and systems are positioned to support the community effectively throughout the year.
During this period of leadership transition, our work continues uninterrupted. Our department remains deeply focused on preparation, coordination, and accountability—planning before storms hit, working together during emergencies, and investing in the infrastructure and facilities that support essential city services.
As we move into the year ahead, Public Works remains committed to transparency, thoughtful planning, and serving the community with care and reliability. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
- Corey Newton, Assistant Director, Public Works
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Did You Know? Street Operations Staff Are First Responders
Did you know that Street Operations staff are officially recognized as first responders? In 2003, President George W. Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8), formally recognizing public works professionals as part of the nation’s first responder community.
While police, fire, and EMS are often the most visible first responders, public works is always there—often behind the scenes—providing critical support to emergency response partners, protecting essential services, and restoring those services after an emergency.
The Public Works Department is responsible for repairing, maintaining, and operating the transportation system 24 hours a day, seven days a week—even during emergencies. Street Operations staff prepare year-round through continuous emergency response training and by working under multiple programs and plans designed to keep the transportation network operating as efficiently as possible during challenging conditions.
Some of these key programs include the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), the Snow and Ice Plan, and the Trouble Truck Program.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
As part of the CEMP, Street Operations staff provide essential services under critical functions such as Transportation and Logistics during disasters including earthquakes, floods, lahars, and volcanic activity.
During the winter months, the Division operates under the Snow and Ice Plan. Each year, staff participate in two full days of snow and ice training focused on equipment operation and emergency response procedures. Crews de-ice streets when frost or icy conditions are forecasted and prepare equipment and staffing whenever snow accumulation is expected. During snow events, emergency shifts are assigned, and crews operate around the clock to keep the transportation system functioning safely and efficiently.
Snow and ice response follows a priority system, beginning with primary arterial streets, followed by secondary and auxiliary routes. Crews work to clear at least one traffic lane in each direction on designated Snow Routes. The time required to complete routes depends on the severity and duration of the storm. Residential streets are not plowed except when needed for life-safety reasons.
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Trouble Truck Program: 24/7 Support
The Trouble Truck Program provides emergency response and support services on City-owned properties and within City rights-of-way, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Staff respond to service requests from both internal and external customers and take action to resolve issues or secure sites to ensure public safety and maintain traffic flow.
Common response calls include potholes, downed signs, fallen trees, landslides, oil spills, emergency road closures due to accidents, and assistance to other City departments, including emergency services.
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How to Request Service
All service requests should be directed to the Street Operations main phone line at 253-591-5495. During normal and emergency operations, City staff answer calls and dispatch crews as needed. During standby hours, calls are forwarded to an answering service that gathers details and contact information before dispatching the request to the appropriate standby employee.
In 2025, the answering service received 1,794 standby service calls, averaging approximately five calls per standby period—a testament to the constant demand for Street Operations’ emergency response and support.
🚧 Streets Initiative Package #30 – Railroad Street Area | Project Overview
What’s happening: Streets Initiative Package #30 will improve roadway conditions, pedestrian access, and stormwater infrastructure along Railroad Street and nearby corridors.
Scope of work includes:
- Grinding and overlaying the roadway surface
- Upgrading curb ramps to meet ADA standards
- Replacing a section of stormwater main on Railroad Street
- Building a new pedestrian and bicycle connection at the southeast end of Railroad Street, connecting to Tacoma Mall Boulevard and the I-5 off-ramp
Timeline:
- Council approval: January 6, 2026
- Construction anticipated to begin: March 2026
- Construction anticipated to be completed: November 2026
These improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, and drainage in a high-traffic area while strengthening connections for people walking and biking.
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🚲 South Cedar Street Active Transportation Enhancements | Project Website
(South 15th Street to South Center Street)
What’s happening: This project will deliver a comprehensive set of active transportation and safety improvements along South Cedar Street to support people walking, biking, and traveling through the corridor.
Key improvements include:
- New and upgraded crosswalks, ADA curb ramps, and pedestrian signals
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and audible pedestrian signals
- Lane reconfiguration and median improvements to calm traffic
- Buffered and protected bike lanes, bike boxes, and bike detection
- Sidewalk improvements, green pavement markings, and wayfinding signage
Timeline:
- Project Advertisement: February 2026
- Construction anticipated to begin: June 2026
- Construction anticipated to be completed: December 2026
This project supports safer travel for all users while advancing Tacoma’s Vision Zero and active transportation goals.
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🚦 East Portland Avenue Safety & Accessibility Improvements | Project Website
(Near East Portland Ave & South 60th Street)
What’s happening: Safety and accessibility improvements are coming to East Portland Avenue to support smoother travel and safer pedestrian crossings.
Scope of work includes:
- Grinding and overlaying the outer lanes of East Portland Avenue
- Installing new ADA curb ramps where needed
- Adding a new HAWK signal at East Portland Ave & South 60th Street to improve pedestrian crossings
Timeline:
- Construction anticipated to begin: February 2026
- Most roadway work expected to be completed by early summer 2026
- Signal installation expected to be completed by late summer 2026 due to equipment ordering lead-time.
This project will improve pavement conditions and significantly enhance pedestrian safety along a busy corridor.
  Paving on North 39th & North 41st Streets between North Mason Street and North Stevens Street has wrapped up!
Citywide, residential paving is underway, and we’ve already restored 20 blocks this winter. Overall, we’ve restored over 5,300 residential blocks and are on pace to complete more than 6,000 as part of Tacoma’s Residential Restoration Program!
This work is made possible by our amazing crews and your Streets Initiative I investment.
Learn more about our progress at tacomastreetsinitiative.org.
Upcoming Work
More street improvements planned throughout the year — including pothole repair, resurfacing, and targeted curb ramp installations.
Track your tax dollars at work: 🔗 tacomastreetsinitiative.org
Visit our City projects page: 🔗 City Projects | City of Tacoma
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