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Study overview

Why are we conducting this study?

SR 162 is an important north-south link that moves people and goods, connects the cities of Sumner and Orting, and extends through the Orting Valley. The study area encompasses a 5.5-mile section of SR 162 where travelers often experience delays during peak commute hours. Continued development in this part of Pierce County will likely increase traffic volumes along the study corridor.

Aerial photo of SR 162 looking southeast in Orting. Mount Rainier is in the background, with neighborhoods on both sides of SR 162
SR 162 corridor looking southeast, in Orting

This study builds on the 2017 SR 162 Sumner to Orting Corridor Planning Study and follows legislative direction and new guidelines. It will use updated information and involve the community again to come up with ideas to make safety, access, mobility, and emergency response times better. Right now, money for design and construction hasn’t been figured out yet. The suggested improvements from this study will be shared and used to look for funding for the project.

2017 SR 162 Sumner to Orting Corridor Planning Study

As mentioned above, WSDOT completed a corridor planning study in 2017. The study outcomes included five short, mid- and long-term strategies for further development into potential solutions. They were:

  1. Providing opportunity for transportation options such as telecommuting and rideshare rather than expanding the transportation network to meet travel demand. 
  2. Operations improvements, such as making sure signals are timed right.
  3. Public Transportation Services including elements of transit and rail services
  4. Park and Ride lots, bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements
  5. Intersection control and corridor improvements

Read the full 2017 Corridor Study Report (PDF 17MB)

Funding

This study is funded through $1 million in state funding approved during the 2023 legislative session. No funding has been identified for design and construction of recommendations made as part of this study.

Schedule

This study began in April 2024 and is scheduled for completion in June of 2025.

Photo of two-way center turn lane, with traffic on right side
Example of two-way center turn lane. Photo credit
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

What’s Next

WSDOT will use community feedback collected in the questionnaire to inform draft recommendations. In early 2025, WSDOT will have another Online Open House where they will share those draft recommendations with the community and partners. Please email SR162CTLstudy@wsdot.wa.gov if you’d like to receive study updates.

Outcomes

Recommended improvement options from the SR 162 Center Turn Lane Planning and Pre-design Study will be published and used to pursue project funding opportunities.