Tacoma, WA — In partnership with Pierce County, Astound will soon begin construction to expand the availability of high-speed internet to the Nisqually region. When construction is complete, more than 3,500 homes will gain access to broadband internet, offering symmetrical internet speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second. During the coming months, Astound will build 113 miles of infrastructure, including a mix of aerial and underground fiber construction.
Construction will take place in the following areas:
- Along the Highway 702 corridor from the junction of Highway 507 (McKenna) to Highway 161 (Clear Lake), including main roads (Harts Lake Road South, Allen Road South, 8th Street South, Eatonville Cutoff Road, Jensen Road East) and smaller side streets within those areas.
- Along the Highway 7 corridor from 304th Street East (Johnson’s Corner) south to Cranberry Lake, including main roads (340th Street East, Christensen Muck Road E, 320th Street East) and smaller side streets within those areas.
Residents in the above areas can expect to see lane impacts including certified flaggers and signage, shoulder closures, and traffic lane shifts. Please slow down through work areas and follow all posted signs and flaggers. Construction is expected to be completed later this year.
This project is a $13.3 million public-private partnership, with Pierce County contributing $7.97 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and Astound covering the remaining $5.33 million.
The partnership is the latest in Pierce County’s initiative to facilitate broadband infrastructure expansion to underserved areas of Pierce County. This program combines County funding with broadband service providers to build infrastructure for the benefit and quality of life of residents and to enhance economic opportunities for local businesses.
Astound’s website with information and ongoing updates about the project is available at www.astound.com/washington/pierce-county/. For more information about Pierce County’s broadband expansion initiative, please visit www.PierceCountyWa.gov/BoostingBroadband.
###
About Pierce County
Nearly one million residents live in Pierce County, the second largest county in the state of Washington. Our mission is to build communities that feel safe, welcoming, and connected.
Pierce County Media Contact:
Jenny Burger, public information specialist
Jenny.Burger@PierceCountyWa.gov
253-753-4428
About Astound
Astound (astound.com) is a trusted provider of internet, Wi-Fi, mobile, TV services, landline phone and fiber-optic solutions, known for innovation, reliability, and award-winning customer care. With a focus on flexibility, value, and community, Astound delivers modern connectivity solutions to both residential and business customers designed for how people live and work today. Astound serves Chicago, Indiana, Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York City, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Texas, and regions throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.
Astound Broadband Media Contact:
Mark S. Peterson
mark@pointerpr.com
206-390-0204
