News

Find news releases and announcements about the agency in our virtual newsroom. 

Elma Rest Area in Grays Harbor County closes to complete water system work Feb. 3-14

Posted 01/28/2025

ELMA - Beginning 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, the rest area will close around the clock until 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. The planned closure will allow crews to finish upgrades to the facility's water system.

Washington State Ferries will answer questions, share information at February online community forums

Posted 01/28/2025

Decision-makers will address key topics with Washingtonians

SEATTLE – It's a double date! Washington State Ferries would ferry much like to have community members from throughout Puget Sound join its next pair of virtual meetings. WSF leaders will answer questions from the public and provide the latest information…

Learn about I-5 Secret Creek fish passage project in Snohomish County during open house events

Posted 01/28/2025

Online open house starts Jan. 28 with digital open house events Feb. 5 and Feb. 12

STANWOOD – The secret is out. Work to gain fish habitat in Secret Creek under Interstate 5 in northern Snohomish County begins Feb. 24.

From 6 p.m.to 12 p.m. daily. Monday through Friday, contractors…

Water system upgrade closes northbound I-5 Scatter Creek Rest Area in Thurston County Feb. 10-28

Posted 01/27/2025

GRAND MOUND – The rest area will close around-the-clock to all travelers starting 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10.

State’s first e-bike rebate program launching in April

Posted 01/15/2025

OLYMPIA – A new program designed to make e-bikes more affordable to Washington residents will launch this spring. In April, the Washington State Department of Transportation and its vendor, APTIM, LLC, will launch the state’s first e-bike rebate program. The rebates will occur through point-of-sale discounts on e-…

Plan ahead for daytime closure of US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge in Hoquiam Jan. 27-30

Posted 01/15/2025

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, through Thursday, Jan. 30, the Simpson Avenue Bridge will close to all traffic for repairs. During the closure, travelers detour using the Riverside Bridge.

Back on board: 2024 brought half a million more state ferry riders

Posted 01/13/2025

SEATTLE – The final tallies for 2024 are in: Washington State Ferries welcomed nearly 500,000 more people aboard last year compared to the year before. Ridership for the year was more than 19.1 million, up 2.6% from 2023.

Permanent speed reduction on I-5 between SR 20, Cook Road in Burlington begins Jan. 15

Posted 01/10/2025

BURLINGTON – The speed limit will change permanently on Interstate 5 between State Route 20 (milepost 230) and Cook Road (milepost 232) from 70 mph to 60 mph beginning Wednesday, January 15.

Thanks for bearing with it: Preservation work complete on US 101 Chehalis River Bridge in Aberdeen

Posted 01/09/2025

ABERDEEN - A project to replace old bridge bearings under the north side of the US 101 Chehalis River Bridge wraps up.

Fish passage project approaches finish line near Gig Harbor

Posted 01/06/2025

GIG HARBOR - A project to improve fish migration in Purdy Creek under State Route 16 and SR 302 Spur near Gig Harbor nears completion.

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.