What Will the Custer Road Closure Mean for Lakewood Drivers and Homeowners?

Location and reporting date: Lakewood, Washington | July 28, 2026

What exactly is happening on Custer Road?

The City of Lakewood is preparing to fully reconstruct Custer Road between Bridgeport Way SW and 75th Street SW in Lakewood, Washington. According to the City's July 23 construction update, the complete closure is scheduled to begin August 10 and continue through September 30, with final striping planned under a separate closure in October.

This is not a quick paving job. The City says the existing pavement has reached the end of its service life and must be rebuilt. The work includes a reconstructed roadway, storm drainage, curbs, sidewalks, street lighting, and a center two-way left-turn lane. The corridor carries roughly 20,000 vehicles per day, which explains why the project will be noticeable well beyond the construction zone.

Where will the detour send drivers?

The City's planned detour uses Bridgeport Way SW and 75th Street SW around the closed section of Custer Road. Drivers who normally use Custer Road to move between central Lakewood, Lakewood Towne Center, nearby commercial properties, and residential streets in ZIP code 98499 should allow additional time, especially during morning and afternoon traffic.

Drivers should also expect nearby routes to feel busier. Bridgeport Way SW already carries substantial local and regional traffic, so even a short detour can create longer queues at signals and more turning movements near businesses. Check the route before leaving, avoid cutting through residential streets, and follow posted signs rather than the shortcut your navigation app invents after everybody else discovers it.

Why is Lakewood closing the road completely?

Lakewood says a full closure will allow the work to be completed more safely and more quickly than phased construction. The City previously estimated that keeping partial access open could stretch the work to six or seven months. A complete closure is more disruptive in the short term, but it reduces the total construction period.

The project is estimated at approximately $2.74 million and is funded through a Transportation Improvement Board grant. That funding will pay for the roadway rebuild and associated safety and access improvements.

How could nearby businesses be affected?

Businesses along and near Custer Road may experience temporary access changes, fewer drive-by visits, delivery delays, and customers mistakenly assuming the entire area is inaccessible. The City has said the contractor will work to maintain business access where possible and has launched a video series highlighting local businesses along the corridor.

Residents can help by continuing to support businesses in the construction area. Call ahead when access is unclear, follow posted business-access signs, and remember that a road closure does not automatically mean the businesses are closed.

What should Lakewood homeowners expect?

Homeowners near Custer Road, Bridgeport Way SW, 75th Street SW, and surrounding streets may notice temporary changes in traffic, noise, dust, parking pressure, and travel time. Some drivers may try to bypass the official detour by using neighborhood streets, although posted routing and enforcement may change as the project progresses.

From a real estate standpoint, temporary construction can affect showing routes and first impressions, but buyers should separate short-term disruption from long-term infrastructure. New sidewalks, lighting, drainage, turning access, and pavement can improve how a corridor functions after construction is complete. That does not guarantee a specific increase in property value, but it is relevant context when evaluating homes near the project.

What should buyers know before viewing homes nearby?

Buyers touring homes near the corridor should ask how the closure affects the normal commute, school travel, access to shopping, and emergency routes. Most of Lakewood is served by Clover Park School District, but buyers should verify the exact attendance boundary directly with the district for each property.

Buyers should also visit the area at different times of day. A route that feels easy on a Sunday afternoon may look different during weekday construction traffic. Review the City's project map, confirm whether the home relies on Custer Road for primary access, and avoid treating temporary congestion as a permanent condition.

What should sellers do if they are listing during construction?

Sellers near the project should give buyers clear driving directions before showings, explain the expected project timeline, and avoid letting the construction become a surprise. Listing remarks and showing instructions should remain factual. Sellers should not promise that construction will end on a specific day beyond the City's published schedule, because weather, utilities, or contractor conditions can change.

How does this project fit into Lakewood's larger investment plan?

The City of Lakewood lists approximately $25.725 million in anticipated road, pedestrian-access, and infrastructure investment for 2026. Custer Road is one of several active or upcoming projects, alongside work on 112th Street, Nyanza Road, Mt. Tacoma Drive, sewer extensions, street lighting, and pavement maintenance.

How can residents verify the latest information?

This article was checked on July 28, 2026. Construction schedules can change. Residents should rely on the City of Lakewood's Capital Projects page and Custer Road project page for the newest dates, detour maps, business-access information, and weekly construction updates.

What is the bottom line?

The Custer Road project will create a concentrated period of inconvenience, but the work is intended to replace a failed roadway and add sidewalks, lighting, drainage, and safer turning access. Plan the detour, support nearby businesses, and use the City's updates instead of neighborhood rumor control.

Read more local real estate and community updates:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/zIbpOFH/reblogroundup

Sources

• City of Lakewood Capital Projects
• Lakewood Weekly Bulletin, July 24, 2026
• Custer Road Project Page
• Clover Park School District