This Web Page is Available in 100+ Languages
Need this web page translated? 需要翻译此页面吗? ត្រូវការបកប្រែភាសាគេហទំព័រនេះមែនទេ? 이 웹페이지의 번역이 필요하십니까? Хотите перевести эту страницу? ¿Necesita traducir esta página web? Kailangan isalin ang pahina sa web na ito? Bạn cần dịch trang web này?
About the Project
Pedestrian rail crossing improvements are planned at both the 6th Avenue and S. 19th Street rail crossings. Select improvements include upgraded railroad signals, relocated vehicle railroad gates, the installation of new pedestrian railroad gates, sidewalks, curb ramps, pavement replacement, pavement markings/crosswalks, landscaping, signage and fencing.
The City and BNSF will each be responsible for completing work in their respective rights-of-way (City to complete all sidewalks, paving, signage, etc.; BNSF will complete all rail gate/signal work).
Traffic Alert as of March 2023
Starting in March 2023, please watch out for the electronic signs onsite. Flaggers will be on site during the day.
Provisions will be made for emergency services vehicles to cross the tracks. If businesses/residents need to make vehicle trips during this time, they are encouraged to find legal public parking on the east side of the tracks in advance of the crossing closure since the rail crew will facilitate/assist on-foot (or wheelchair) access across the tracks with worker escort.
Proposed Project Schedule for West End (6th Avenue and S. 19th Street)

The New Proposed Construction Schedule is as Follows:
- March 6, 2023 – BNSF work starts on S.19th St. Crossing
- March 13, 2023 – BNSF work starts on 6th Ave Crossing
Proposed Road Closures – Phase 1 BNSF
S. 19th Street Crossing
- Will be completely closed in both directions from 8 PM - 7 AM, Monday, March 6 through Thursday, March 9, 2023 (Needs a minimum of 11 hours)
- During the day, one (1) lane will stay open between 7 AM – 8 PM
- The crossing will reopen for all traffic around 7 AM on March 10, 2023
6th Avenue Crossing
- Will be completely closed in both directions from 8 PM - 7 AM, Monday, March 13, 2023, through Thursday, March 16, 2023 (Needs a minimum of 11 hours)
- During the day, one (1) lane will stay open between 7 AM – 8 PM
- The crossing will reopen for all traffic around 7 AM on March 17, 2023
Project Updates
- Spring/ Summer 2023: City's Contractor anticipated to begin work on site. Duration is expected to be approximately three months, pending weather delays.
- First Quarter 2023: City to re-advertise work at 6th Avenue and S. 19th Street for construction. March 2023 – BNSF construction anticipated to begin. BNSF is scheduled to begin rail construction work in March 2023. Related City construction work will follow completion of BNSF work at each crossing.
- January 2023- Design, permitting and right-of-way activities are complete. 9/8/2022- The City Contractor’s contract was terminated due to the delays. The project will be re-advertised.
- June 20, 2022 - BNSF was scheduled to start the work at S. 19th and then proceed to 6th. Work was cancelled as the city received numerous concerns from the residents and businesses in the impacted area related to BNSF’s required 4-day, daytime closure at each crossing.
Public Outreach
A virtual open house was held on February 17, 2021. If you were unable to attend, click here to view a recording of the open house. If you have any questions on the project, contact the Project Manager, Veronicah Munyao at vmunyao@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 325-1152
West End (6th Avenue and S. 19th Street)
City of Tacoma |
$1,070,000 |
Federal Highway Safety and Improvement Grant |
$1,304,314 |
State Funds |
$1,150,000 |
Contact Information
If you have questions or comments you can contact City of Tacoma Project Manager, Veronicah Munyao, at (253) 325-1152 or by email.