http://wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthCentral/news/ Copyright WSDOT 2008. All rights reserved. bertraj@wsdot.wa.gov (Jeremy Bertrand) Washington State Department of Transportation Wed, 22 May 2013 11:33:44 GMT 15 http://wsdot.wa.gov/Public/images/nav/wsdot2g4.gif http://wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthCentral/news/ Sat, 18 May 2013 06:20:41 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/17_DBEStudyOnline.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/17_DBEStudyOnline.htm OLYMPIA – A study to determine whether the Washington State Department of Transportation’s contracting activities are fair and equitable for all is now available for review. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program disparity study analyzed information about local marketplace conditions for minority-owned and women-owned businesses and the degree to which WSDOT utilizes these businesses. Sat, 18 May 2013 05:09:32 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/14_Chinook_pass_open_2013.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/14_Chinook_pass_open_2013.htm CHINOOK PASS – Crews opened Chinook Pass at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 17. It’s safe to say drivers can make travel plans over State Route 410 this weekend. Fri, 17 May 2013 21:36:55 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/17_Memorial_Day_Travel_2013.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/17_Memorial_Day_Travel_2013.htm OLYMPIA – If you’re taking to the road for Memorial Day weekend, don’t forget to plan ahead with travel tools from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Fri, 03 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/BiketoSchool_0503.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/BiketoSchool_0503.htm Students celebrate national Bike to School Day May 8 Wed, 01 May 2013 23:25:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/2013WAnamedBikeFriendlyState_0501.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/05/2013WAnamedBikeFriendlyState_0501.htm 6-time champ Washington leads pack again as ‘Bicycle-Friendly State’ Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:06:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/22_earthday.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/22_earthday.htm Earth Day 2013 marks an opportunity for Washingtonians to learn how they can reduce their own carbon emissions and how programs at the Washington State Department of Transportation can help. Sat, 20 Apr 2013 03:32:40 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/19_LED_phase_two.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/19_LED_phase_two.htm OLYMPIA – Drivers on US 101 west of Olympia will notice changes to roadway lighting as a pilot project to test the first light-emitting-diode (LED) lighting system on a state highway moves into its second phase. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:20:11 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/16SR20NCHReopens.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/16SR20NCHReopens.htm The North Cascades Highway reopened at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:54:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/11_workzonesafety2013_goorange.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/11_workzonesafety2013_goorange.htm OLYMPIA – Transportation workers, along with all roadway and utility workers, ask drivers to remember one rule when they see those bright orange signs and cones: just slow down. Sat, 06 Apr 2013 00:45:47 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/05_13_constructionresumesi90.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/05_13_constructionresumesi90.htm Start planning your trip over Interstate 90 east of Snoqualmie Pass now! Several major road improvement projects will delay drivers this year as the Washington State Department of Transportation improves sections of roadway across a 50-mile stretch of I-90. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:20:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/01_TunnelMachineArrives.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/04/01_TunnelMachineArrives.htm Bertha sighting: SR 99 tunneling machine draws near World’s largest tunneling machine to arrive by ship in Seattle tomorrow The ship carrying the $80 million machine that will dig the SR 99 tunnel beneath downtown Seattle entered Washington waters today. Its two-week journey from the manufacturing plant in Osaka, Japan will end tomorrow in Elliott Bay. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:49:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/I5_040113.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/I5_040113.htm All lanes on northbound Interstate 5 in South Seattle reopened on schedule Monday, April 1 2013 following a weekend of closures to replace four aging highway expansion joints. But the work isn’t over yet. Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:57:22 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/workzone_speed_enforcement_centralia.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/workzone_speed_enforcement_centralia.htm CENTRALIA – An automated speed-enforcement camera will be placed in a construction zone on Interstate 5 in Lewis County beginning Monday, April 8, in an attempt to slow drivers and improve safety. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:23:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/26SR20SpringReopeningBegins.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/26SR20SpringReopeningBegins.htm Work to reopen the 37 miles of the North Cascades Highway closed last Nov. 20, got underway Monday, Mar. 25. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:38:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/25_stud_tire_off_2013.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/25_stud_tire_off_2013.htm OLYMPIA – Spring has arrived. As temperatures rise across the region, the Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers to remove their studded tires by midnight, March 31. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 01:19:11 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/SecPetersonProjectReview.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/SecPetersonProjectReview.htm Transportation Secretary Peterson calls for mega project review Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:35:46 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/13_I90buildavalanchebridges.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/13_I90buildavalanchebridges.htm Big changes are coming to Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass. The snowshed is coming down and bridges are going up as part of a 15 mile corridor improvement project. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:10:06 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/04_point_defiance_bypass_FONSI_issued.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/04_point_defiance_bypass_FONSI_issued.htm Amtrak Cascades riders can now look forward to shorter trip times and more reliable schedules between Seattle and Portland following federal approval of WSDOT’s proposal to reroute the passenger train service to a less congested route. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:18:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/0313_CayuseClearing2013.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/03/0313_CayuseClearing2013.htm Early last week, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews revved up more than 26 tons of heavy duty machinery and began their annual quest to open Cayuse Pass by Memorial Day weekend. Sat, 23 Feb 2013 02:19:47 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/02/22_LED_lights_US101_olympia.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/02/22_LED_lights_US101_olympia.htm OLYMPIA – Within a week, US 101 west of Olympia drivers on will see the Black Lake Boulevard interchange in a whole new light. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 23:40:52 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/02/BridgingFutures2013.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/02/BridgingFutures2013.htm A new scholarship offers high school students interested in engineering, the environment or art the chance to earn money for college. Sat, 26 Jan 2013 00:33:56 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/01/25_I90EACommentPeriodStarts.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/01/25_I90EACommentPeriodStarts.htm People who might be affected by a proposal to toll Interstate 90 between Seattle and Bellevue can give input to a state study that will assess the potential environmental and social effects of tolling. Fri, 25 Jan 2013 05:44:51 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/01/24_rail_mudslide_solutions.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/01/24_rail_mudslide_solutions.htm OLYMPIA – Four rail partners involved in service and safety in the corridor between Seattle and Everett are putting a new focus on understanding the root causes and potential solutions to mudslides that resulted in a record number of Amtrak Cascades and Sounder passenger-service disruptions this winter. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 04:32:51 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/01/405Meeting1.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/01/405Meeting1.htm How to fund and operate express toll lanes on Interstate 405 and State Route 167 will be the focus of 30 local elected officials and transportation agency representatives as they convene Thursday, Jan. 24. Fri, 28 Dec 2012 03:04:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/27_oneyearof520tolling.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/27_oneyearof520tolling.htm As tolling reaches its first anniversary, SR 520 traffic and revenue continue to meet projections and are on the way to providing more than $1 billion in funding to help pay for the construction of a new bridge. Traffic is adjusting to variable tolls and settling into a new normal. Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:08:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/25US2ReopenedStevensLeavenworth.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/25US2ReopenedStevensLeavenworth.htm US 2 reopened from Stevens Pass east to Leavenworth Christmas afternoon as bending trees threatening to fall onto the highway shed their excess snow naturally due to a change in weather. Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:44:20 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/SR99BoringMachine_1221.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/SR99BoringMachine_1221.htm Last week, the world’s largest-diameter tunneling machine received a name. This week, it received U.S. visitors, as State Route 99 Tunnel Project leaders traveled to Japan to witness testing of the five-story-tall behemoth that will begin tunneling beneath downtown Seattle next summer. Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:55:07 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/20_travelers_rest_open.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/20_travelers_rest_open.htm Holiday travelers and skiers enjoying new snow at Snoqualmie Pass this weekend won’t see the finished product but will have indoor facilities available starting Friday, Dec. 21, one month ahead of schedule. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:07:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/windstormSR520_1216.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/windstormSR520_1216.htm With gusty winds forecast for Puget Sound and heavy snow forecast for the passes, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance and bridge crews spent Sunday fighting snow in the passes and tracking the next storm system as it moves into the state. Sat, 08 Dec 2012 08:35:57 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/07US2WSPnoparkingSki.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/07US2WSPnoparkingSki.htm The State Patrol is actively assisting the effort to solve congestion at the summit of Stevens Pass due to illegal parking Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:26:06 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/GNB47_News_All_Items.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/GNB47_News_All_Items.htm OLYMPIA – Topics in the latest edition of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s quarterly performance report – the Gray Notebook – take flight, ride the rails and hit the water. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:30:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/3_Freight_Detour.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/3_Freight_Detour.htm Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:28:05 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/2012BridgeFunds.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/2012BridgeFunds.htm 70 aging bridges receive money for improvements Thu, 22 Nov 2012 05:23:04 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/2013STIP.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/2013STIP.htm Washington’s 4-year program of transportation projects ready for review Wed, 21 Nov 2012 05:14:24 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/20SR20NCHClosed.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/20SR20NCHClosed.htm The North Cascades Highway's temporary closure on Monday became a season ending closure due to heavy snow and big avalanches. Wed, 21 Nov 2012 04:13:27 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/20_traindisruptioninto.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/20_traindisruptioninto.htm EVERETT – This week’s heavy rains triggered mudslides near Everett that affected Amtrak Cascades service, and passengers are reminded of avenues to check train status: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 07:03:15 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/19_StormyCommuteWesternWA.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/19_StormyCommuteWesternWA.htm SEATTLE – Drivers from Puget Sound to Vancouver should plan ahead for gnarly commutes this week as a series of storms barrel across Western Washington. Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:25:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/16_thanksgiving2012travel.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/16_thanksgiving2012travel.htm Miss Manners says holidays are the time to unplug and concentrate on family. But before travelers unplug this Thanksgiving weekend, the Washington State Department of Transportation says plug in that electronic device to find the latest on travel and traffic. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:16:49 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/15_Statewidestripingwrapsup.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/15_Statewidestripingwrapsup.htm It’s been a busy seven weeks for crews putting down brighter, tougher lane stripes on some of the busiest traffic areas in the state. As the rain moves in, though, crews are packing up for the season. Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:03:13 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/13_StateRailPlanningWorkshop.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/13_StateRailPlanningWorkshop.htm OLYMPIA – The public is invited to help develop the next statewide rail plan and shape the future of rail at a newly scheduled public workshop in Seattle. Recent workshops in Spokane and Seattle were at capacity, and the upcoming Seattle workshop already has several participants registered. Wed, 14 Nov 2012 01:49:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/ChinookCayuse2012closure.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/ChinookCayuse2012closure.htm Highway crews closed Chinook (State Route 410) and Cayuse (State Route 123) passes early Monday morning after multiple snow slides. After further inspection, maintenance and avalanche teams decided to close the passes for the rest of the season. Sat, 10 Nov 2012 01:23:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/09_election_signs_removed_2012.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/09_election_signs_removed_2012.htm Now that the elections are over, it’s time to remove campaign signs from private properties along state highways. Sat, 10 Nov 2012 01:03:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/09_NewSR520BridgePontoonPage.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/09_NewSR520BridgePontoonPage.htm Project overview video explains pontoon construction progress and challenges SEATTLE – Keeping in line with the agency’s commitment to openness and transparency, the Washington State Department of Transportation has published a new website, giving access to State Route 520 pontoon videos, interviews and correspondence. Tue, 06 Nov 2012 06:46:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/CSA_2012.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/CSA_2012.htm Easing traffic congestion is just part of the work they do. For the recipients of the 2012 Governor’s Commute Smart Awards, leadership goes beyond a normal day’s work; it makes Washington state a better place to live and work for everyone. This year’s 22 honorees represent a growing movement in transportation leadership in the workplace. Thu, 01 Nov 2012 01:40:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/31_chainsonboard_reminder.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/31_chainsonboard_reminder.htm OLYMPIA – Drivers traveling over Washington’s mountain pass highways should carry a few extra items starting Thursday, Nov. 1. For those piloting heavy trucks, that should becomes a must. Fri, 26 Oct 2012 04:08:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/25_520CostsLoanAndPontoons.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/25_520CostsLoanAndPontoons.htm Constructing the full State Route 520 corridor from Interstate 5 to Redmond, including a new floating bridge and six-lane highway, is estimated to cost $522 million less than the 2009 legislative budget cap, the Washington State Department of Transportation said today, citing a good bid environment and other factors. WSDOT finalized documents today for a $300 million federal loan that will fund design and construction of the next portion of the SR 520 project – a westbound bridge between the Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:02:56 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/25_state-rail-plan-public-opinion.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/25_state-rail-plan-public-opinion.htm The public is invited to help develop the next statewide rail plan at two public workshops in Spokane and Seattle next week. Public input will help shape the future of the state’s rail system. Mon, 22 Oct 2012 23:41:00 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/22_I-90constructionwrap.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/22_I-90constructionwrap.htm Drivers traveling across Interstate 90 have patiently waited to hear these words: Delays related to work zones on Snoqualmie Pass are almost finished until next year. Rock-blasting closures are done for the season, the new westbound lanes are open to traffic and roadside work zones will be cleared by November. Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:37:28 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/22_12_I-90publichearingSEIS.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/22_12_I-90publichearingSEIS.htm For more than 60 years, the snowshed along Interstate 90 has been a familiar passageway to travelers making their way across Washington state. Now the state is considering a new look for one of its most-traveled roadways: replacing the snowshed with avalanche bridges. Sat, 20 Oct 2012 05:05:46 GMT http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/19_I90_auto_speed_enforcement_wrapsup.htm http://wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/19_I90_auto_speed_enforcement_wrapsup.htm A safety project on Snoqualmie Pass comes to an end today with the removal of automated speed-enforcement cameras in the construction zone. Using the mobile camera proved effective at slowing drivers speeding through the work zone.