Construction begins Sept. 8 on the final piece of the Lincoln Avenue Grade Separation.

This freight transportation project will move cargo and commuters more efficiently in and out of the Tacoma Tideflats. The 2,200-foot overpass will add three lanes of roadway over four sets of railroad tracks serving the Port of Tacoma’s two main intermodal yards.

Lincoln Avenue will close in two stages. Beginning Sept. 8, the road will close to public traffic from Milwaukee Way to Thorne Road. Approximately two weeks later, Lincoln Avenue will close between Marc Street and Thorne Road, and remain closed for the duration of the project. Milwaukee Way and APM Road Connector will remain open to public traffic for access through the construction zone.

The project is expected to be completed by May 2011. Access to all businesses will be provided during construction.

Find more information, detour maps and updated construction schedules at http://www.portoftacoma.com/lincoln-ave .

Construction of the overpass became possible in March, when the Port received $15.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Scarsella Brothers Inc. of Kent was recently awarded the $21.8 million construction contract.