Conflicts between rail and vehicular traffic were adversely and severely impacting freight movement along Lincoln Avenue where four support tracks crossed. The Lincoln Avenue grade separation raised Lincoln Avenue over key railroad tracks in the Port of Tacoma industrial area, removing the at-grade conflict between rail activities and heavy vehicular traffic.
The grade separation provided a three-lane bridge, designed for future widening to five lanes, that minimizes impacts to existing utilities and rail lines and maximizes the ability of the Port to expand rail facilities in this area. The configuration of the 1,170-foot-long bridge provides the greatest potential for future track expansion.