News
Find news releases and announcements about the agency in our virtual newsroom.
US 395 Pioneer Memorial Bridge painting project in Pasco completed
PASCO – The major painting project on the US 395 Pioneer Memorial Bridge, known locally as the Blue Bridge, is complete. This work will preserve and extend the bridge’s useful lifespan.
SR 241 Mabton Bridges reopen to traffic
MABTON – Two bridges on State Route 241 north of Mabton are now open following work to replace one and repair the other.
Deck the hulls: Over 600,000 to travel by state ferry this holiday season
SEATTLE – More than 600,000 people are expected to sleigh their way onto a state ferry between Friday, Dec. 20, and Wednesday, Jan. 1. Those boarding in a vehicle should plan for long lines and wait times as travelers make their merry way to or from their holiday season getaways.
Fare-free transit programs boost youth ridership on public transportation statewide
OLYMPIA – In 2021, state lawmakers passed legislation that enabled every transit system across the state to allow passengers under 18 to ride for free. If the numbers are any indication three years later, youth in Washington are taking full advantage.
Work on SR 500 pedestrian overcrossing in Vancouver freezes for winter
VANCOUVER – Winter is coming, and construction work on the State Route 500 pedestrian overcrossing project will be taking a pause.
Before work stopped for the winter, Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews set bridge girders for the future overcrossing. The bridge girders are…
UPDATE: US 101 Chehalis River Bridge preservation work starts mid-November in Aberdeen
ABERDEEN – People who use the Chehalis River Bridge in Aberdeen will see four nights of ramp closures during preservation work.
Pedal power: Washington named America’s most bike-friendly state
OLYMPIA – There is no state more supportive of people who travel by bike than Washington, according to one of the nation’s largest bicycle advocacy organizations. Washington leads U.S. states in fostering bicycling and systems that support it, earning it the top spot in the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle…
SR 305 safety-improvement project wraps up on Bainbridge Island
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND – A project to build two roundabouts on State Route 305 on Bainbridge Island is nearing completion.
SR 99 pavement repair project in SeaTac and Des Moines starts Monday, Dec. 2
SEATAC – Construction begins Monday, Dec. 2, on an $8.3 million project that will repave two miles of State Route 99 in SeaTac and Des Moines. Crews also will upgrade curb ramps at intersections along the busy corridor.
Ferry system sets the table for 300,000 Thanksgiving travelers, preps for upcoming winter weather season
SEATTLE – Nearly 300,000 people are expected to board a state ferry Wednesday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 1. The Thanksgiving travel rush is likely to bring long lines and wait times for travelers in a vehicle.
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.