February 2026
A message from the Assistant Director: Delivering on the Tacoma Streets Initiative
For nearly a decade, the Tacoma Streets Initiative has helped improve safety, mobility, and accessibility across the Tacoma transportation system.
These investments are visible in neighborhoods throughout the city — from larger capital projects to safer crossings, upgraded curb ramps, and repaved residential streets.
As we enter 2026, Public Works remains focused on delivering projects funded through the Tacoma Streets Initiative while evaluating long-term system needs to sustain this progress.
This month, we’re highlighting some of our Tacoma Streets Initiative-funded projects currently underway or recently completed.
- Corey Newton, P.E., Assistant Director/City Engineer
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Tacoma Streets Initiative Project Updates
Sheridan Arterial Improvements Phase 1 | Project Website
The Sheridan Arterial Improvements Project is underway between South 64th Street and South 72nd Street.
This Streets Initiative-funded project will:
- Reconstruct the roadway
- Narrow lanes to calm traffic
- Add a shared-use path along Wapato Park
- Install a new sidewalk with curb and gutter
- Upgrade underground utilities
When complete, the corridor will provide safer walking, rolling, and biking access to Wapato Park, improved arterial connections, and modernized infrastructure designed to serve the community for decades.
Construction Update (As of February 11, 2026, and schedule subject to change):
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Week of 2/9: Curb and gutter installation, paving, landscaping
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Week of 2/16: Retaining wall, roadway work, landscaping
Residents can subscribe to project updates or contact the project manager for more information.
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East Roosevelt Avenue Arterial Improvements | Project Website
Construction is underway on East Roosevelt Avenue (between East 38th Street and East Sherman Street) as part of the Tacoma Streets Initiative #27 package.
This fully funded project includes:
- Roadway repairs and reconstruction
- Pedestrian bulb-outs to improve safety
- Accessible curb ramps
- New sidewalks where gaps currently exist
- Coordination with side street improvements
When complete, the corridor will provide safer crossings, improved pedestrian access, and a more connected neighborhood street network.
🌳 Investing in the Streetscape
The project will plant 54 new trees along the corridor while removing 5 trees due to construction conflicts — resulting in a net increase in canopy coverage.
Expanded tree canopy improves walkability, enhances neighborhood character, and contributes to long-term environmental benefits.
📅 What’s Next (schedule subject to change):
- Curb and sidewalk construction: Through late February
- Roadway paving: March–April
- Signage, landscaping, and striping: April
Total Estimated Cost: $3.9 million Funding: 100% secured through Tacoma Streets Initiative and partner sources.
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South 4th Avenue — from St. Helens Avenue to Fawcett Avenue
South 5th Avenue — from S I Street to S J Street
 South 7th Street — from S J Street to S K Street
In addition to major arterial improvements, Tacoma Streets Initiative funding continues to support neighborhood street restoration across the city.
Recent Residential Restoration projects include:
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South 4th Avenue — from St. Helens Avenue to Fawcett Avenue
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South 5th Avenue — from S I Street to S J Street
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South 7th Street — from S J Street to S K Street
These projects focused on pavement restoration to improve ride quality, extend street life, and address long-standing surface deterioration in high-use neighborhood corridors.
Targeted residential restoration helps preserve local streets and prevent more costly reconstruction in the future — protecting the community’s investment in Tacoma’s transportation system.
📊 Tacoma Streets Initiative: Continuing the Investment
Projects like Sheridan and East Roosevelt demonstrate how Tacoma Streets Initiative funding supports:
- Safer corridors
- Multimodal access
- Utility coordination
- Long-term asset preservation
As Public Works evaluates long-term system needs, we remain committed to transparent reporting and responsible stewardship of the community’s investment.
More project highlights and system updates will be shared in upcoming editions of The Work Zone. Visit the Public Works Capital Projects website to see all Public Works projects.
 💙 Go Hawks! Street Operations Spirit
Before the big game, our Street Operations crews showed their team pride — decked out in Seahawks gear.
The same crews who respond to urgent maintenance needs and keep Tacoma moving safely also bring energy, camaraderie, and heart to the job every day.
Public Works is more than equipment and asphalt — it’s teamwork.
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