The cables of the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which opened to traffic in July 2007, are going to be repainted this week — weather permitting — only 2 years and 2 months after it was built.

After I got the news release from the state Department of Transportation, I asked if I was reading it correctly.

You are correct, crews will be painting cables on the new bridge. The paint did not hold up as we had hoped for. The bridge is still under warranty and the contractor Tacoma Narrows Constructors is applying the new paint.

Emily Pace
WSDOT Communications

The closure of the carpool lane could come as early as tomorrow, if it stays dry.

Here is her original news release:

SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge cable painting this week

TACOMA – Crews painting cables close a lane this week on the eastbound SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Drivers can expect an HOV-lane closure from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30 through Saturday, Oct. 3.

The cable painting is weather dependent. Work may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

For all construction and maintenance updates, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/Olympic/Construction/.