When will the Tacoma Narrows Bridge reopen? Eastbound lanes remain closed after Gig Harbor emergency response
renew: Trooper Cameron Watts, spokesman for the Washington State Patrol Wrote On X, “Traffic diversion control will begin soon to eliminate all congestion.”
Preliminary report: Eastbound lanes of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Gig Harbor, washingtonIt remained closed late Saturday night after emergency crews responded to the situation on the bridge. Authorities said there is currently no estimated time for reopening as response efforts continue.
Officials also confirmed a gun was involved in the incident but said no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.
The closure began around 8:30 p.m. local time. According to reports, the Washington State Patrol and Pierce County first responders responded to reports of a person in crisis on the bridge. Law enforcement immediately closed all eastbound lanes so emergency crews could safely handle the situation.
As of the latest update, the Washington State Patrol said there is currently no estimated reopening date. Superintendent Kameron Watts told local media that negotiations were still active and the situation required a heavy law enforcement presence.
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Why is the Tacoma Narrows Bridge closed?
Washington State Patrol spokesman Trooper Kameron Watts said the response involved a suicidal person and multiple agencies, including the Tacoma Police Department, were working together to resolve the situation peacefully. Negotiators are still on site.
Watts later confirmed to The News Tribune that a gun was also involved in the incident. However, he stressed that no shooting occurred and no injuries were reported.
Authorities urged motorists to remain in their vehicles while crews continued negotiations.
“We understand the frustration of people caught in traffic jams,” Watts posted on social media. “However, we need people to stay in their cars and not wander around. The risk factor for this situation is very high.”
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also advises travelers to avoid the area until further notice.
Traffic diversions and latest travel advice from authorities
The closure caused significant delays along eastbound State Highway 16 and heavy traffic in the Tacoma Narrows Bridge corridor.
According to WSDOT, vehicles must exit from 36th Street as several ramps remain closed. The Jackson Avenue exit ramp and 24th Street Northwest entrance ramp are also closed while emergency operations continue.
Officials first announced partial lane closures shortly after 8:30 p.m. Shortly afterwards they upgraded the warning to a full eastbound closure due to continued police activity. Transportation officials have since said multiple times that there is no estimate for reopening.
