Interstate 705
Interstate 705 (I-705) is a short Interstate Highway in Tacoma, Washington, United States. It serves as a spur route from Interstate 5 (I-5), providing access to downtown Tacoma, the Tacoma Dome, and the Port of Tacoma. The highway is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long.
I-705 primarily runs in a north-south direction, though its signage often indicates east-west designations to align with the direction of connecting routes and destinations. The northern terminus is at an interchange with I-5, and the southern terminus is a complex interchange serving multiple downtown streets.
The freeway was constructed in the 1970s as part of a larger project to improve transportation access to the Tacoma area. Its relatively short length and primary function as a connector between I-5 and downtown distinguish it from longer mainline Interstate routes. The highway is crucial for facilitating traffic flow to and from Tacoma's commercial and entertainment centers.
Traffic volume on I-705 can be heavy, particularly during peak hours and during events at the Tacoma Dome. The highway is maintained by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).