Got caught in that 3 hour bumper to bumper on I-5 last Thursday after the semi overturned near the stadium

I normally take surface streets but figured the freeway would be faster since I left 20 minutes later than usual. Has anyone found a decent alternate route through Tacoma that actually saves time during those afternoon accidents?

3 comments

3 Comments

oscarc5316d ago

Wait, have you ever looked into the timed traffic light patterns near the Tacoma Mall area during rush hour? I noticed cops usually sit at the main intersections to keep things moving after an accident on I-5, so if you cut through the residential streets just east of the mall you can catch those green lights in a row while everyone else is stuck at the big ones. It's a gamble since there's more stop signs and kids playing, but I've shaved 15 minutes off my trip doing that when the freeway is a parking lot. Plus you can grab a coffee at that drive-thru spot on 38th if you time it right.

the_faith16d ago

You mentioned taking surface streets sometimes, but have you tried going through the industrial district right off Port of Tacoma Road? I know it sounds weird but there's this back way behind the shipping yards that cuts through to the 509 on-ramp near the Dome District. I stumbled on it during a bad accident last fall and it saved me a ton of time because everyone else is stuck staring at taillights while you're moving through warehouse traffic. The only catch is you gotta watch for train crossings and the potholes are brutal this time of year, so maybe not worth it if you care about your suspension.

joelt7016d ago

Tried that route once during a snowstorm and the train crossing got me stuck for twenty minutes, lmao.