News
Find news releases and announcements about the agency in our virtual newsroom.
South 216th Street bridge demolition in SeaTac begins Dec. 8; requires overnight I-5 closures
SEATAC – Tons of concrete and rebar will drop to the ground piece by piece when the demolition of the South 216th Street bridge over Interstate 5 in SeaTac begins Friday, Dec. 8.
Red light, green light: Enhanced ramp meters planned for three Seattle on-ramps to northbound I-5
SEATTLE – Overhead ramp meters are coming to three Seattle on-ramps to northbound Interstate 5 as part of a project that begins Monday, Dec. 4. These new ramp meters will regulate traffic from the HOV lane and the general-purpose lane, replacing existing meters that only regulate the general-purpose lanes.
Northbound I-5 in Seattle to close overnight starting Dec. 4
SEATTLE – UPDATE: Please note the schedule and closure plans for this work have changed. This will allow for a shorter work schedule. See details in paragraphs three and four.
WSDOT publishes first Safety Rest Area Strategic Plan in nearly 15 years
OLYMPIA – After months of public outreach and research, the Washington State Department of Transportation has finalized the 2023 Safety Rest Area Strategic Plan – the first of its kind in about a decade and a half.
Fish barrier, begone! Critical salmon run near State Route 305 now open for fish migration
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND – A 16-month effort to remove and replace a barrier to fish migration on State Route 305 on Bainbridge Island is now complete.
Northbound I-5 in Seattle to close weeknights for three weeks starting Dec. 4
SEATTLE – Nighttime travelers making their way north through downtown Seattle on Interstate 5 should plan for 12 overnight closures starting Monday, Dec. 4, while crews replace an electronic sign mounted above the highway.
Despite extra work caused by cold winters, regional repair project creates smoother ride on 17 bridges
If the past two winters seemed a little more harsh than usual to you, our bridges felt it, too.
Correction: New SR 302 Spur bridge opening in Purdy Dec. 2
PURDY - Starting Saturday, Dec. 2, travelers will no longer have to detour around the SR 302 Spur in Purdy when the new bridge opens to traffic.
Amtrak Cascades adds two more daily roundtrips starting Dec. 11
OLYMPIA – Just in time for the holidays, WSDOT and ODOT are starting two additional Amtrak Cascades daily roundtrips between Seattle and Portland. Beginning Monday, Dec. 11, more trains will run in both directions – for a total of 12 trains every day between the two most popular cities on the route.
Climate mitigation and the Highway System Plan
The draft Highway System Plan (HSP) addresses many diverse and complex issues, one of which is Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG).
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.