Construction has officially started on a $5 million festival street along Ninth Avenue Southwest in Puyallup, designed to enhance pedestrian access during major events at the Washington State Fairgrounds. The curbless street will allow for vehicle access during the day, while being closed during evenings and weekends for festivals and gatherings. City spokesperson Eric Johnson highlighted that the design incorporates traffic calming techniques to improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians. On-street parking along this stretch will be removed due to underutilization, with alternative parking options available in nearby fair lots. The project is anticipated to be completed by September, just in time for the 2025 Washington State Fair, marking its 125th anniversary.

Johnson expressed gratitude for the fair's partnership in this project, which aims to strengthen the connection to downtown Puyallup. Additionally, the city plans to develop a similar festival street on East Meeker in the coming years. This initiative reflects Puyallup's commitment to enhancing community spaces and supporting local events.